Observing

Clavius is a wonderfully rugged moon crater, ripe for observing with a telescope. Credit: Pete Lawrence

How to see crater Clavius on the Moon

Make the most of Mars at opposition in 2020. Credit:Pete Lawrence

Mars Opposition 2020 See the Red Planet at its best

Mercury and Spica, as they appear through a telescope eyepiece at x25 on 22 September at 14:30 BST (13:30 UT). Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide See planet Mercury near Spica

Venus and a 14%-lit waning crescent Moon near M44 on the morning of 14 September. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide See Venus, Moon and Beehive Cluster, 11-15 September

Orion Nebula upside down. Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Robberto (Space Telescope Science Institute/ESA) and the Hubble Space Telescope Orion Treasury Project Team

Why does my telescope show everything upside down?

If you're a planetary imager, make sure your laptop and software are ready for a new season of astronomy. Credit: Steve Marsh

Autumn astronomy The best targets for longer nights

A conjunction of the moon with Venus and Jupiter, Chanthaburi, Chanthabur, Thailand, 28 November 2019. Credit: Chakarin Wattanamongkol / Getty Images

Observing guide Upcoming conjunctions and how to see them

Þ During the course of September, Mars will appear to increase in size by about 22%. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Observing guide How to see the planets in the night sky, September 2020

Photo of the night sky over Glenridding, UK. Credit: Alan Graham / EyeEm / Getty Images

Observing guide Best autumn constellations

A composite image showing the apparent reversal of Mars's movement in the night sky. Credit: Pete Lawrence

Mars Opposition 2020 See the Red Planet in retrograde

Aurora header

13 things new stargazers should know

Understanding the limits of your telescope. Credit: m-gucci / Getty images

Understanding the limits of your telescope

Binoculars are a great way for newcomers to get into astronomy. Credit: lucentius / Getty Images

Observing guide 10 autumn binocular astronomy targets

A panorama showing the Milky Way (centre) and planets. Mars is bright to the left, Saturn is dimmer and bright Jupiter is right. The arcing line joining the planets defines the arc of the ecliptic. Credit: Alan Dyer / Stocktrek Images / Getty Images

What is the ecliptic?

Durdle Door in Dorset, UK A nightscape capture of the Milky Way is a great opportunity to try your processing skills. Credit: Schroptschop / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Observing guide How to see the Milky Way