Astronomy for beginners

Beginners guides, hints and tips to help you get started in the world of astronomy.

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

BBC Sky at Night Magazine Back Garden Astronomy Week

Discover the Moon with Back Garden Astronomy Week

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

Friends stargazing. Credit: EvgeniyShkolenko / Getty

Radio Astronomy Podcast Biggest stories of 2019 and top tips for stargazing beginners

A Venus Moon captured on 26 February 2014. Credit: Mary McIntyre

20 night-sky objects to observe in 2020

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

A starry skyscape: The Grand Canyon at night.

11 of the best places for stargazing and astronomy in the USA

Mag. -3.9 Venus appears 4.8° from a 6%-lit waxing crescent Mon on 28 December. Credit: Pete Lawrence

See Venus the ‘Evening Star’ in the night sky this month

Celestron Omni XLT AZ 102 Refractor/basic mount

10 of the best telescopes and binoculars for astronomy beginners

Dunkery Beacon in Exmoor National Park is one of many places in the UK where beautiful vistas of the night sky can be seen. Credit: Keith Trueman

12 of the best places to stargaze in the UK

Clouds can be the bane of amateur astronomers' lives. But how can you tell when good stargazing conditions are approaching? Credit: UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor / Getty Images

Astronomy weather forecasts: predicting the weather for stargazing

The Orion Nebula

A beginner’s guide to nebulae

A portable setup that's easy to transport makes observing at dark-sky sites much easier. Credit: Lucentius / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The pros of a portable astronomy setup