History of astronomy
Space History | Animals in space
What animals have been in space, which was the first and why did humans send them to journey among the stars?
50 of the greatest, most famous astronomers of all time
Our pick of the men and women who transformed our understanding of the Universe.
If every clock on Earth disappeared, how would we know what time and date it is?
How would you tell the time if every clock on Earth
were suddenly to disappear? Astronomy can help.
Harbingers of doom! How comets were thought to foretell disaster for centuries
Since ancient times, comets have been seen as a sign of impending disaster.
The story of Ptolemy, the ancient astronomer who shaped our view of the cosmos for centuries
Reflections on the Universe and its relationship with the human mind
Reflections on where our finite understanding meets infinite space.
Can astronomy explain why the pyramids in Egypt were built?
Do the pyramids line up with the stars? Is there any astronomical significance to the pyramids of Giza?
Stonehenge, astronomy and the solstice: How much do we know about Britain's prehistoric site?
Could Stonehenge have been an astronomical observatory used to celebrate the Solstice?
Happy leap year! The real reason why February has 29 days in 2024
In a Leap Year, there are 29 days in February, but why? It's to do with Earth's orbit around the Sun, the Gregorian Calendar and the Romans.
Why February has only 28 days? Nothing more scientific than Roman superstition...
Why is February so short? Why do its days number just 28?
How black holes were first discovered
The story of how black holes went from theory to discovery.
A history of star Algol, the winking 'Demon Star' in Perseus
An investigation of the myth around the celebrated ‘winking’ star in Perseus.
A history of music in space
A look at the music that humanity has sent into space.
Astronomy vs astrology: an astronomer's view
Astrology and astronomy were once the same discipline, but science has since moved on.
Astronomy explained | Why is Pluto not a planet?
Is Pluto a planet? If not, why not? What makes a planet a planet, and why was the 9th in the Solar System reclassified as a dwarf planet?
6 mistakes and accidents in the history of space exploration
Slip-ups can happen anywhere, including space, where not everything always goes to plan.
Strange things astronomers used to believe about the Moon
In this archive article, the late Patrick Moore discusses some of the most ill-conceived notions about our lunar neighbour.
8 lunar features that reveal the history of the Moon
The Moon bears the scars of its long and violent past. Here are 8 features that reflect its extraordinary history, that you can see for yourself.
7 famous telescopes that changed how we view the cosmos
A guide to the observing instruments that have changed - or will change - how astronomers explore the cosmos.
Women astronauts who changed spaceflight forever
A look at some of the astronauts who blazed a trail for women in space.
Astronomy explained | What is a galaxy?
What is a galaxy, and what are the different types of galaxy found in the Universe? Find out about galaxy formation and the history of their study.
8 forgotten constellations that didn't catch on
A look at some of the obscure, lesser-known constellations that fell by the wayside and were resigned to astronomical history.
The history of the Southern Hemisphere constellations
The story of how it took 150 years of exploration to fill the skies of the Southern Hemisphere with 26 new constellations.
7 pioneering dark matter scientists
The term ‘dark matter’ was coined over a century ago. Here are 7 scientists who shed light on astronomy’s biggest mystery.