Stuart Atkinson

Astronomy writer

Stuart Atkinson is a lifelong amateur astronomer and an author of popular astronomy books.

Recent articles by Stuart Atkinson

Félicette, the first cat in space, is strapped into a launch seat to be loaded into the Veronique rocket. Credit: ina.fr/youtube.com

The story of Félicette, the first cat in space

Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible with the naked eye in the night sky throughout September 2022. Credit: ARUIZHU/istock/getty images

Observing guide See a parade of planets in the night sky throughout September

Noctilucent clouds captured by Stuart Atkinson, Kendal, Cumbria, late June 2022

Noctilucent Clouds 2022: the season so far

Dr. Gerald Wasserburg with a sample of the Pueblito de Allende. Scientists found He found evidence of matter that predates the Solar System. Photo by Jonathan Blair/Corbis via Getty Images

5 of history’s most famous meteorites

Noctilucent clouds. Credit: Meindert van der Haven/istock/getty images

Noctilucent clouds What they are and how to see them

AR2565 / AR2567 by Ewan Hobbs, Hastings, UK. Equipment: AZEQ6GT Mount,152mm TecnoSky Refractor, 135mm Baader D-ERF,Daystar Quark Chromosphere & Point Grey IMX174 camera.

How to see sunspots on the surface of the Sun

Our view of the Sombereo Galaxy (M104) is almost completely edge on. Credit: NASA/ESA

Galaxy Season 19 galaxies to observe during spring

NASA’s Space Launch System with the Orion spacecraft atop, at Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, in the early hours of 18 March 2022. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

NASA rolls out Artemis Space Launch System at Kennedy Space Center

An aurora display of 13 March 2022 from Cockermouth, Cumbria, UK.

Aurora alert on 13 March leads to stunning UK Northern Lights display

Get to a good, dark location away from light pollution and you will see so many more stars. Credit: Carlos Fernandez

How to stargaze in 10 easy steps

Winter Milky Way at Matterhorn, Switzerland. Credit: DieterMeyrl / Getty Images

Take a midwinter tour of the Milky Way

Comet A1 Leonard captured by Stuart Atkinson, Kendal, Cumbria, UK, 03:30 - 06:00 UTC, 9 December 2021. Equipment: Canon EOS 700D DSLR camera, iOptron tracker.

Comet A1 Leonard See it in the night sky

What to see in the night sky on 25 December. Credit: Allexxandar / Getty Images

Christmas Astronomy What's in the night sky on 25 December

An illustration showing two people observing through a telescope with fireworks bursting in the night sky

Bonfire Night Take our stargazing tour this 5th of November

Noctilucent clouds photographed by Stuart Atkinson in June 2021 from Kendal, Cumbria, UK.

Noctilucent Clouds The 2021 season so far