How to see the Orionid meteor shower in 2021
The Orionid meteor shower is now active as the Earth passes through a stream of dust shed by Halley’s Comet. Here is how to see it.
Stargazing
See asteroid Pallas in the evening sky
Pallas, one of the brightest asteroids, and the second asteroid to be discovered, comes to opposition in September. Here’s how to find it for yourself.
How to photograph a meteor shower
When a good meteor shower is active, you could capture yourself some “shooting stars” with an ordinary camera, as long as it can take time exposures. Here is our guide to get you started.
How to see the Perseid meteor shower in 2021
Amateur astronomers are looking forward to the return of one of the year’s strongest and most reliable meteor showers. Here is your hype-free guide on how to see the Perseid meteor shower in 2021.
Wonderful Mira heads for maximum brightness
One of the most interesting variable stars, Mira, is becoming bright and easy to see in the morning sky. It will reach maximum brightness next month.
How to observe variable stars
Many stars in the sky change brightness. They are known as variable stars. Here is how to observe them.
The truth about this month’s supermoon and what you will see
This month’s “supermoon” has provoked a lot of comment in the popular media. Here’s the truth about what it all actually means!
Watch out for summer’s night-shining clouds
Noctilucent clouds are a beautiful sight. They lie on the edge of space and have an astronomical origin.
Bright nova flares in the constellation of Hercules
A new star, or nova, has appeared in the constellation on Hercules that was not previously visible.
How to see the solar eclipse in June 2021
There’s a solar eclipse coming on 10 June when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun. It will be a so-called annular eclipse because the Moon will be near the most distant part of its orbit, and so not big enough to cover the Sun’s disk completely.
See Mercury make its best appearance in the evening sky of 2021
Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, is starting to make its best appearance in the evening sky for observers at northern latitudes.
Sporadic meteors – the remains of long-dead comets
Meteors are sometimes seen which cannot be identified with a known shower. They are known as sporadic meteors, or simply sporadics.
