Exclusive to members – Popular Astronomy Magazine
The November–December 2023 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
How to watch for Geminid shooting stars in 2023
Uranus in the Ram’s tail
The planet Uranus is currently at its brightest for the year – but it still takes some finding! Here’s how to spot the elusive seventh planet from the Sun with just a pair of binoculars.
It’s Orionid time!
The annual Orionid meteors (shooting stars), which are caused by dust from the tail of Halley’s Comet, are upon us. These appear in good numbers between 20 and 23 October, which in 2023 coincides with a weekend. What’s more, the Moon will be pretty well out of the way, so all we need are clear skies for a great observing opportunity!
Why you should join the SPA!
Featured content
The night sky in December
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) this month, at 20h 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…
