Finding Neptune in 2020
Jupiter and Saturn are dead easy to find this year – you really can’t miss them. But finding the other giant planets, Neptune and Uranus, is much more of a challenge.
Learn the late summer night sky
Watch this video for an eight-minute guide to some of the main constellations in the late summer night sky, August and September 2020.
How and where to see Perseid meteors
Stargazers are looking forward to the annual display of meteors (shooting stars) known as the Perseids.
Why you should join the SPA . . . and Vicky’s latest live video!
Covid-19 and the SPA
SPA meetings and a new regular Facebook Live event, are being held online until further notice. Please check the meetings page for latest status of all events.
The night sky in October
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) this month, at 22h UT (GMT).
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…
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…
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.