As we move into the long and dark nights of December 2019, there are two features of the sky to penetrate the gloom – the International Space Station and the planet Venus. Read more
Meteor outburst “likely” – but for 15 minutes
Researchers in the US and Finland have predicted an outburst of a little-known meteor shower called the Alpha Monocerotids ̶ but, they say, the outburst may last only 15 minutes! Read more
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
Messier’s Heritage – Observing his deep-sky objects 22–24 November 2019. Course now over – see what you missed!
The night sky in December 2019
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) in mid December, 2019, at 22h UT (GMT).
How to get started in 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!
Choosing a telescope
If you’re interested in astronomy, it stands to reason that you need a telescope, and the bigger the better.