Welcome to the Society for Popular Astronomy

Pa Minicover Nov23

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!

Pa Minicover Nov23

Latest News

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!


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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…

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…