Astronomy for beginners

See Venus and Jupiter meet for a celestial summer spectacle

What makes a planet? How many are there in our Solar System and the wider Universe?

A guide to the planets of the Solar System, their order in distance from the Sun, and facts about the rocky terrestrial worlds and the gas giants.

Stargazing is easy: you just have to look up! But getting started can be daunting for some. Read our top tips for spending your first night under the stars.

Want to see stars, constellations and planets in the night sky but aren't sure where to start? Read our beginner's guide to observing the cosmos.

What can you see in the night sky tonight? Find out what's on view in our monthly stargazing guide.

Dates for the Moon phases this year and timings for Moonrise every day.

Find out when the next full Moon is visible, and full Moon names for 2026.

With binoculars you can see so much more in the night sky. Take our deep-sky tour and find out.

How to see today's blood Moon lunar eclipse

Find out when the next solar and lunar eclipses are occurring, and where you can see them.

A guide to observing the planets in March, and which planets will not be visible.

Another planet parade is visible now. How excited should we be?

How to see the planets in the sky this month.

Professional astronomer gives his top tips on observing the six-planet alignment visible late in February 2026

Our planet’s only natural satellite, the Moon has enough features to keep astronomers busy for a lifetime. Here are 10 lunar highlights to get you started.

Want to get to know the Moon better? Discover how to explore our celestial neighbour with our observing guide.

Spotting the Solar System planets isn't as tricky as it sounds: you just have to know where to look.

See the Moon hop across the sky as the planet alignment approaches

Which cameras are best for astrophotography and what type should you buy? We'll guide you through the different types and the best cameras on the market.

What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, appearing as though a 'bite' is being taken out of the solar disk. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon covers the Sun completely, but during a partial solar eclipse, only some of the Sun is covered by the Moon. If you're observing a solar eclipse directly, you need to wear eclipse glasses, as not doing so could damage your eyesight. But if you don't have eclipse glasses, there is a way you can still observe the effects of the eclipse. It's called 'solar projection', or 'pinhole projection',

An annular solar eclipse is also known as a 'ring of fire'. But what is it, and how does it differ from a total eclipse?