Look out for noctilucent 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.
Nova Herculis fades
After only a few hours of glory, the nova in Hercules has faded considerably to about magnitude 8.5 as of 23h UT on 13 June.
Nova in Hercules
Update 13 June 2021, 19h UT
A fairly bright nova has been discovered in the constellation of Hercules by Japanese observer Seiji Ueda. The star is now about seventh magnitude and is visible in binoculars.
Why you should join the SPA . . . and Vicky’s latest live video!
Covid-19 and the SPA
SPA meetings, and our Pop Astro Live shows, are being held online until further notice. Please check the meetings page for latest status of all events.
The night sky in June
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) this month, at 22h UT (GMT).
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…
Our observing sections
Whatever your interests, we’ve a section to suit you. Get expert advice and send in your own observations.
Our weekend courses
The SPA runs an annual weekend course where members can observe and learn together.
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…
Meetings and Events
The SPA usually holds regular Saturday meetings every three months in London, though these are currently being broadcast online instead due to the coronavirus.