Humans will soon be making the first voyages to Mars. Author Colin Stuart will speak on How We’ll Live on Mars at our next meeting, on Saturday 27 October at University College, London. Click for more details.
Last chance to see Iridium flares
For years, amateur astronomers have been watching for and photographing Iridium flares, which are caused by a particular group of Earth satellites used for satellite phones. But these flares will soon end. Read more
The Space Station returns to our skies
The International Space Station (ISS) is in our evening skies again between 22 September and 13 October 2018. 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
Click here to find out about this year’s Preston Montford Weekend Course, 30 November – 2 December 2018, on Seeing Stars (now fully booked)
The night sky in October 2018
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) in mid October, 2018, 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.