Pete Lawrence

Recent articles by Pete Lawrence

The positions of Venus and Mercury from 1–19 February. Bright Mercury is particularly well placed for observing at the start of the month when it is mag. –0.9. Credit: Pete Lawrence

A guide to viewing the planets throughout February 2020

A perigee full Moon (left) appears 30% brighter and 14% larger than an apogee full Moon (right). Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observe the perigee full Moon on 8 February 2020

Spot Jupiter's moon Callisto casting its shadow on the gas giant, 26 February 2020. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide See moon Callisto cast a shadow on Jupiter

Like Jupiter, Saturn’s atmosphere shows numerous belts and zones. Recording variations in their intensity and colour will make valuable contributions to science. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Astrophoto guides

Imaging for science How to photograph Saturn

The Grace of Venus © Martin Lewis

Astrophoto guides

Imaging for science How to photograph Mercury and Venus

QHYCCD QHY 168C CMOS colour camera. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

QHYCCD QHY 168C CMOS colour camera review

£1399 Price correct at time of review

Thor’s Helmet: NGC 2359 gets its nickname from its distinctive nebula bubble. Credit: Gerald Rhemann/CCDGuide.com

Astronomy tour Explore the sights of Canis Major

The position of Venus, Mercury and the Moon relative to the southwest horizon at 18:00 UT on January dates shown. The apparent size of the Moon has been exaggerated for clarity. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide: how to see the planets in January 2020

An image of the Andromeda Galaxy by NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer.

Astronomy tour Explore the sights of the Andromeda Galaxy

A penumbrally eclipsed Moon (right) versus a regular full Moon (left); the shading is subtle. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Penumbral lunar eclipse, 10 January 2020: how to observe and photograph it

Keep an eye on the location of Mars throughout December 2019. The stars (above) are shown relative to the horizon at 06:30 UT on 31 December. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Observing guide: the best planets to see in December 2019

The Geminids is one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year. Credit: Pete Lawrence

How to see the Geminid meteor shower 2019

Meade Series 6000 115mm apo refractor

Meade Series 6000 115mm apo refractor review

£1599 Price correct at time of review

An image of Venus captured by the Venus Express spacecraft.

Observing guide The best planets to see in November 2019

A sunset captured by Pete Lawrence. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Astrophoto guides

How to capture beautiful photographs of sunsets