Stargazers are looking forward to the annual display of meteors (shooting stars) known as the Perseids. Dozens of bright meteors could be visible every hour in mid August – if you know when and where to look.
Brightest comet for 13 years now in UK skies
There’s a bright comet in our skies, which is visible to the naked eye during July in the evening and early morning sky.
Bright comet for July
After two dismal comet failures this year, hopes are high for Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), which promises to be visible to the naked eye during July 2020.
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.
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. It combines a number of talks with the chance, weather permitting, to look at the stars. Courses deferred until 2021 About the courses Preston Montford isRead more
The night sky in August 2020
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) this month, at 22h UT (GMT).
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 yourRead more
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 aRead more