Astronomy for beginners
Are you new to astronomy? Our beginners’ guides are filled with hints and tips to help you get started in observing the night sky.
Moon phases and times 2025
Dates for the Moon phases this year and timings for Moonrise every day.
This is one of the best weeks for Moon-watching. As full Moon nears, see it meet Jupiter, stars and star clusters every night
In late March 2026 the Moon meets Jupiter, the Pleiades, the Beehive Cluster and Regulus. Take our lunar tour as the Moon hops across the sky
Venus-Jupiter conjunction in June 2026
See Venus and Jupiter meet for a celestial summer spectacle
null
undefined
How many planets are there? It's a trickier question to answer than you might think...
What makes a planet? How many are there in our Solar System and the wider Universe?
Astronomy explained | The Planets
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.
Want to learn how to stargaze? Here's how to get started in 12 easy steps
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.
Astronomy for beginners
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.
Stargazing | What to see in the night sky this month
What can you see in the night sky tonight? Find out what's on view in our monthly stargazing guide.
Next full Moon dates 2025
Find out when the next full Moon is visible, and full Moon names for 2026.
Best binocular targets to see tonight | Best things to see in the night sky with binoculars tonight
With binoculars you can see so much more in the night sky. Take our deep-sky tour and find out.
Observing the blood Moon right now? Quick facts and smartphone tips to catch the lunar eclipse at its best
How to see today's blood Moon lunar eclipse
Eclipses 2024 | This year's solar and lunar eclipses
Find out when the next solar and lunar eclipses are occurring, and where you can see them.
Observing guide | Visible planets in March
A guide to observing the planets in March, and which planets will not be visible.
8 simple tips for seeing the planet alignment this weekend
Planet alignment, February 2026. How to see it
Another planet parade is visible now. How excited should we be?
Visible planets in the night sky, February 2026
How to see the planets in the sky this month.
Observing the February 2026 planet alignment? Pro astronomer reveals his top tips for seeing it
Professional astronomer gives his top tips on observing the six-planet alignment visible late in February 2026
10 best features to observe on the Moon
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.
Observing guide | How to observe the Moon
Want to get to know the Moon better? Discover how to explore our celestial neighbour with our observing guide.
How to find planets in the sky, and how to tell the difference between a planet and a star
Spotting the Solar System planets isn't as tricky as it sounds: you just have to know where to look.
The Moon meets the planet alignment this week. See its close approach to Jupiter and two star clusters
See the Moon hop across the sky as the planet alignment approaches
Buyer's guide | Best astro imaging cameras
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.
The best, safest ways to view a solar eclipse, from low-cost, simple options to expert astronomer techniques
What are the best and safest ways to view an eclipse?
No eclipse glasses? Pinhole projection is a cheap, alternative method
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',
