Exclusive to members – Popular Astronomy Magazine
The July–August 2026 issue of our bimonthly magazine is out now. It is packed with interesting articles, but you won’t find it in the shops. That’s because Popular Astronomy is available exclusively to members of the Society for Popular Astronomy.
To get your own copy, plus all the other benefits of belonging to Britain’s brightest astronomical society, click here now to become a member of the SPA!
Latest News
Now for the next eclipse!
The great partial solar eclipse of 2026 is over! Generally good weather across the UK meant that hundreds of thousands of people got to see the event, with the Sun’s disc being narrowed down to a thin crescent as the Moon moved in front of it. But the eclipse story isn’t over yet! There’s a deep partial lunar eclipse coming up on 28 August, and another good partial solar eclipse in a year’s time – so put the dates in your diary now and don’t get caught out!
Get ready for the great August eclipse!
There will be a partial eclipse of the Sun visible from the whole of the UK during the evening of Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the Sun appearing as just…
Look for these rare night clouds
Midsummer skies are not ideal for stargazing as it doesn’t get dark until late in the UK. But this is the time of year when spectacular clouds can appear at the edge of space. Normally astronomers hate clouds but these are special.
Why you should join the SPA!
Featured content
The Night Sky in July 2026
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) for June 2026, at 21h UT (GMT).
Our weekend courses
The SPA runs an annual weekend course where members can observe and learn together.
Choosing a telescope
If you’re interested in astronomy, it stands to reason that you need a telescope, and the bigger the better. But for most of us, there’s a lot of research to do before you can make the plunge. There is a bewildering range of instruments available, but the good news is…
Our observing sections
Whatever your interests, we’ve a section to suit you. Get expert advice and send in your own observations.
How to start stargazing
Learning the sky might seem tricky at first. There are so many stars, and unlike visiting a new town or city, the stars keep on moving around! But don’t give up! With a few tips and tricks, you’ll soon start to tell your Aries from your Aldebaran. The first step is to look at…
