Nigel Henbest

August features a partial solar eclipse visible across Europe, the UK, northwestern Africa and northern North America, with totality crossing areas from the North Pole to the Iberian Peninsula. A partial lunar eclipse follows on 28 August and will be visible from the Americas, Africa and Europe. The month also offers the Perseid meteor shower, views of Venus and the Summer Triangle, and opportunities to observe Saturn, Mars and Mercury. Safe ISO 12312-2-compliant eye protection is required during the partial solar eclipse.

New research suggests Venus may never have had oceans or conditions suitable for life, challenging the long‑held view that Earth and Venus began as similar worlds that diverged over time. Models indicate that persistent cloud cover on Venus’s night side prevented temperatures from dropping enough for water to condense, keeping the planet hot since its formation. This finding also offers insight into how early Earth may have avoided freezing through similar cloud effects. Multiple upcoming missions from international space agencies and private groups aim to study Venus’s atmosphere and surface to resolve these questions. The article also highlights July’s notable celestial events, including prominent views of Venus, planetary alignments, and moon phases.

Venus, Jupiter and the Moon form a series of notable June sky events, highlighted by a rare triple conjunction mid‑month. Arcturus, significant in traditional Polynesian navigation as the zenith star of Hawaii, is described through its historic role guiding voyagers across the Pacific. The Polynesian Voyaging Society’s 1975 replica canoe Hōkūle‘a and navigator Pau Piailug’s successful voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti illustrate the revival of these techniques. The article concludes with a detailed schedule of June’s astronomical events, including planetary alignments, lunar phases and the summer solstice.

Explains the meaning and history of the term blue moon, contrasting rare atmospheric blue-tinted moons with calendar-based definitions that evolved through early 20th‑century almanacs, a misinterpretation by an astronomer, and later popularization by a board game. Provides a guide to May’s night sky, highlighting a blue moon on 31 May, bright appearances of Venus and Jupiter, planetary alignments with the Moon, and key constellations visible throughout the month.

Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS), discovered in January by a team observing in Chile, may become an exceptionally bright Kreutz sungrazer as it passes extremely close to the Sun on 4 April, though it could also disintegrate entirely. Its behaviour remains unpredictable, offering a rare chance to observe the uncertain dynamics of cometary activity. April sky highlights also include Venus and Jupiter dominating the western sky, close approaches of the Moon to major planets, the Lyrid meteor shower, and visible constellations such as Leo, Virgo and Boötes.

Cancer, the faintest Zodiac constellation, is best viewed in March and hosts the Beehive Cluster, a star group of about 1,004 members formed roughly 600 million years ago. Gaia spacecraft data reveals extensive tidal tails stretching over 500 light years as stars drift from the cluster. Venus dominates the evening sky throughout the month with notable conjunctions involving Neptune, Saturn, and the Moon, while Jupiter remains visible for most of the night. Seasonal constellations shift as winter patterns set and spring constellations rise, with several key astronomical events listed for March.

Mercury’s extreme environment results from its elongated orbit, slow rotation, and proximity to the Sun, producing vast differences between scorching daytime temperatures and permanently shadowed frozen craters. Its unusual orbital motion was historically unexplained until Einstein’s General Relativity accounted for its deviations. The planet’s large iron core remains a mystery, with theories ranging from early solar heating to a catastrophic collision. The BepiColombo spacecraft is expected to clarify Mercury’s composition and internal structure later this year. February’s night sky features bright views of Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, and Venus, alongside a challenging opportunity to spot Neptune and an annular solar eclipse visible only from Antarctica.

Explains the origins and characteristics of two major types of supernovae, recounting historical sightings such as Tycho Brahe’s 1572 event and the 1054 supernova that formed the Crab Nebula. Describes how these stellar explosions occur, their remnants, and the role of modern telescopes in detecting thousands more. Provides a December sky guide highlighting prominent planets, constellations, and key astronomical events including the Geminid meteor shower and lunar phases.

Jupiter’s prominence in January’s night sky coincides with its closest approach to Earth and opposition, while Saturn remains visible in the west. The article explains gas giants in our solar system and beyond, noting their diversity in size, mass and orbital characteristics. It contrasts two competing formation theories—core accretion and disc instability—in light of new data from the Juno mission and observations of young stellar discs by the Atacama Large Millimetre Array. Additional skywatching highlights include a supermoon, the Quadrantid meteor shower, lunar conjunctions and a Moon–Pleiades occultation.

Auriga’s bright star Capella and the enigmatic eclipsing star Almaaz dominate November’s night-sky highlights, alongside binary systems such as Menkalinan and Saclateni. The constellation offers several notable deep‑sky objects, including clusters M36, M37, M38 and the Flaming Star Nebula. Saturn and Jupiter appear prominently in the evening sky, with meteor activity peaking during the Leonids. Uranus reaches opposition, Venus shines before dawn until late month, and Mercury becomes visible near month’s end.

The Milky Way is especially visible this month for observers far from light pollution, revealing star clusters, nebulae and the dark dust clouds known as the Great Rift. Early astronomers misinterpreted these dark regions as empty space until E. E. Barnard’s photography confirmed they were dense interstellar dust. Modern understanding shows these clouds as birthplaces of new stars. September also features a total lunar eclipse visible across much of the world except the Americas, though difficult to observe in the British Isles. Additional celestial events include close approaches of the Moon to Saturn, Jupiter, Venus and the Pleiades, and a partial solar eclipse visible only in the south Pacific and Antarctica.

Cepheid variable stars such as delta Cephei and eta Aquilae are highlighted for their crucial role in measuring cosmic distances, a discovery rooted in the pioneering work of Edward Pigott, John Goodricke and Henrietta Leavitt. Their predictable pulsations allow astronomers to calculate true luminosity and infer distance, enabling measurements across remote galaxies, including NGC 5468 observed by the Hubble and James Webb telescopes. The article also describes notable August night‑sky events, including the Summer Triangle, Saturn’s appearance, the Perseid meteor shower and close morning alignments of Venus, Jupiter and Mercury.

Explains why the full Moon of 10–11 June 2025 will appear unusually low due to the lunar major standstill cycle, the tilt of the Moon’s orbit and its position opposite the midsummer Sun in Sagittarius. Highlights ancient alignments at Stonehenge and Calanais that reflect early astronomers’ understanding of lunar cycles. Provides a June sky guide featuring prominent stars, planetary conjunctions and lunar events, including notable pairings of Mars with Regulus, Venus in the morning sky and Mercury low in the northwest.

Myths surrounding Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are outlined through stories from Greco‑Roman tradition and earlier Siberian and Native American cultures. Key stars such as Mizar, Alcor, and Polaris are described along with their roles in navigation and constellation lore. May’s night‑sky highlights include Jupiter setting earlier, Mars dimming, Venus shining as the Morning Star, Saturn appearing faintly nearby, and the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. Prominent constellations and lunar conjunctions throughout the month are listed with notable dates for observation.

Explains how the date of Easter is determined by the first full moon after the spring equinox and outlines how this links to the Jewish lunar calendar and Passover. Details April’s notable night‑sky events, including the positions of Jupiter, Mars and Venus, the Full Moon, and the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, along with key celestial dates throughout the month.

February offers a rare chance to view all eight planets in the evening sky, with Jupiter, Mars, and Venus providing the brightest spectacle. Binoculars or small telescopes allow views of planetary features such as Jupiter’s moons, Mars’s polar cap, and Venus’s crescent. As the month progresses, Mercury becomes visible, passing close to Saturn on 24 and 25 February, completing the full planetary lineup. Prominent stars and constellations, including Capella, Aldebaran, Sirius, and Orion, enrich the night sky. National Astronomy Week runs until 9 February, featuring nationwide livestreams of celestial observations.

Mars reaches its closest point to Earth in January, coinciding with increased visibility in the night sky and renewed interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. NASA’s rovers have detected organic molecules, while Europe’s upcoming Rosalind Franklin mission aims to directly search for signs of past or present life. SpaceX’s Starship could accelerate sample‑return efforts, especially with political encouragement for crewed Mars missions. The month also features notable celestial events including lunar occultations, meteor showers, and close planetary alignments.

Jupiter dominates the December night sky as it reaches its closest point to Earth and opposition, offering clear views of its four major moons. Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto are profiled through mythological backgrounds and scientific discoveries, including volcanic activity on Io, a subsurface ocean on Europa, and layered oceans within Ganymede. NASA’s Europa Clipper and the ESA’s JUICE missions aim to investigate these moons further, with potential for discovering extraterrestrial life. Additional highlights for December include prominent views of Venus, Saturn and Mars, the Geminid meteor shower, and key lunar phases as the month progresses.

Explores prominent November night‑sky objects, blending observational guidance with Greek mythological narratives tied to constellations such as Pegasus, Andromeda, Perseus, and Cassiopeia. Highlights include the Andromeda Galaxy, the Double Cluster, variable stars like Delta Cephei and Algol, and visibility of planets including Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, along with key celestial events throughout the month.

Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS becomes visible in the northern hemisphere after passing the Sun and approaching Earth on 12 October, potentially producing one of the brightest sky displays in years. Its dust-rich tail may increase its brightness, though its exact visibility remains uncertain. October’s night sky also features Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, the Pleiades, Mars and the year’s brightest supermoon, alongside a subdued Orionid meteor shower due to moonlight.

Saturn reaches its closest and brightest point on 8 September, displaying its rings at a narrowing angle that highlights features such as the Cassini Division and Encke Gap. The planet’s atmospheric dynamics, extensive moon system, and ring structure are described alongside guidance for observing Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, a supermoon with a partial lunar eclipse, and the approaching Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. A timeline of notable celestial events throughout September is provided.

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on 12–13 August, created by debris from Comet Swift‑Tuttle as Earth passes through its trail. Viewing conditions improve after midnight and away from artificial light. The article outlines the comet’s long orbital cycle, its past and future appearances, and the potential—though unlikely—risk it poses due to its size. Additional celestial events throughout August include conjunctions of the Moon with Venus, Antares, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, plus two lunar occultations and key lunar phases.

Scorpius dominates the southern sky in July, highlighted by the red supergiant Antares and its contrasting blue-white companion. The article outlines cultural interpretations of the constellation and compares Antares with Betelgeuse. It also provides a detailed guide to the visibility of planets throughout July, including Mercury, Saturn, Mars, Uranus and Jupiter, and lists notable lunar events for the month.

A rare nova event from the star T Coronae Borealis is expected between now and September, marking its first eruption since 1946 after a recurring 80-year cycle of thermonuclear outbursts caused by a white dwarf siphoning hydrogen from a red giant companion. The star is predicted to brighten to the level of Polaris, offering a notable astronomical sight alongside other June sky highlights, including prominent stars and limited pre-dawn planetary visibility.

Virgo dominates the May night sky, highlighted by the bright star Spica and several notable double stars. The constellation connects to ancient mythologies and lies near the massive Virgo galaxy cluster, home to thousands of galaxies and the supermassive black hole in M87. May also features significant astronomical events, including the Full Moon passing Antares and early-morning views of Saturn and Mars. A diary of celestial dates accompanies practical observing guidance.

A total solar eclipse on 8 April will cross major regions of North America, drawing tens of millions into its path as the Sun reaches a highly active phase expected to produce an impressive corona. Historical and personal reflections frame the rarity and emotional impact of totality, while observation tips highlight Jupiter, Comet Pons‑Brooks, seasonal constellations and the Lyrid meteor shower. A diary of key April celestial events provides guidance for skywatchers.

Increasing solar activity is producing powerful sunspots and flares, including an X6.3 flare from region AR3590, as the Sun approaches its expected 2024 activity peak. Past events such as the 1859 Carrington storm illustrate the potential for severe global disruption, though recent flares have caused only minor interference. Elevated solar activity also enhances auroral displays. March offers viewing opportunities including Jupiter, Mercury, a penumbral lunar eclipse, and Comet Pons‑Brooks, alongside general observing guidance and safety precautions.

Highlights prominent February night‑sky targets including the Pleiades, Hyades, Praesepe and Double Cluster, explaining their ages, distances and visual characteristics. Notes planetary visibility of Jupiter and Venus alongside key lunar events throughout the month. Emphasizes seasonal constellations such as Orion, Gemini and Ursa Major, and provides a brief astronomical calendar.

January’s night sky features prominent constellations led by Orion, whose stars and associated myths span cultures from Aboriginal Australia to Babylon, Sumer, Greece, China and the Middle East. Additional reinterpretations from early modern Europe and World War II highlight evolving celestial storytelling. The month offers strong planetary viewing with Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mercury visible at different times, alongside notable lunar alignments and star clusters such as the Pleiades.

Halley’s Comet reaches the farthest point of its orbit in December before beginning its return toward the inner solar system, leading to its next bright appearance in 2061. Historical sightings and scientific milestones, including revelations from the ESA’s Giotto spacecraft, highlight its cultural and scientific significance. December’s night sky also features Jupiter, Saturn, Orion, Sirius, and the Geminid meteor shower, with Venus brightening the dawn. Key lunar events and the Winter Solstice round out the month’s astronomical highlights.

Jupiter dominates November’s night sky as it reaches its closest point this year, outshining all stars and revealing its major moons through binoculars. Its immense size, rapid rotation, turbulent atmosphere and powerful magnetic field are highlighted, along with details about the Great Red Spot and violent polar storms. Current and upcoming missions including Juno, JUICE and Europa Clipper aim to uncover more about the planet and its moons. November also offers views of Saturn, Pegasus, Andromeda, Orion and the Leonid meteor shower, as well as striking conjunctions involving Venus and the Moon.

A faint green plasma arc near the Andromeda galaxy, discovered by three amateur astronomers using a small telescope, is likely a gas streamer illuminated by a past energetic outburst from Andromeda’s supermassive black hole. Similar to Hanny’s Voorwerp, the feature appears to glow due to ancient quasar activity, now fading as the galaxy lies dormant. October brings an annular solar eclipse visible in the western United States, a partial lunar eclipse visible in Britain and Ireland, and the Orionid meteor shower, with planets Jupiter, Saturn and Venus prominent in the night sky throughout the month.

Explores notable double stars and stellar groupings visible in September, highlights viewing opportunities for Comet Nishimura, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Venus, and outlines key celestial events throughout the month, offering guidance for observing planets, constellations and moon phases.

Different cultures have given August’s full moon various names, including the sturgeon, dry, dispute, lightning and red moons, reflecting seasonal events and natural phenomena. A second full moon on 31 August qualifies as a blue moon, a term popularized after a mid‑20th‑century misinterpretation that later spread widely. Both August full moons are also supermoons, appearing slightly larger and brighter due to the Moon’s closer approach to Earth. The month offers strong stargazing conditions, with prominent views of Saturn, Jupiter, the Milky Way and an especially favourable Perseid meteor shower peak on 12 August.

July night skies highlight the constellation Sagittarius and the densest region of the Milky Way, with major nebulae such as the Lagoon, Trifid, Omega and Eagle visible through binoculars or small telescopes. Venus reaches peak brightness before disappearing at month’s end, while Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter offer notable viewing opportunities alongside prominent stars including Vega, Altair, Arcturus and Antares. A lunar calendar notes the Moon’s conjunctions throughout the month.

Edmond Halley’s early measurements of stellar motion laid the groundwork for understanding that stars travel through space independently, with Sirius providing the strongest evidence for his claims. Modern observations by the Gaia spacecraft now track billions of stars, revealing stellar streams and even motions of nearby galaxies. June’s night sky features include Venus approaching Mars, the Praesepe cluster, prominent constellations such as Scorpius, Ophiuchus and Hercules, and several notable Moon-planet conjunctions throughout the month.

A full moon opens May’s night-sky events, with explanations of lunar brightness, global myths, and optimal times for observing the Moon’s surface. Folklore surrounding lunar phases illustrates cultural interpretations, while astronomical guidance highlights when to view features under angled sunlight. The month also offers notable planetary sightings, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, alongside meteor shower activity and key lunar dates. The guide concludes with a diary of astronomical events and a reference to a monthly stargazing book.

Research into planetary oddities suggests early Solar System bodies experienced multiple hit‑and‑run collisions, with a revised theory proposing that a proto‑Mercury struck Venus and possibly Earth before settling into its current orbit. These impacts could explain Mercury’s large iron core, Venus’s reversed spin, and the composition of Earth’s moon. April skywatching highlights include bright Venus near the Pleiades, Mercury’s best evening appearance of the year, Mars fading as it approaches Gemini, the Lyrid meteor shower, and a rare hybrid solar eclipse on 20 April.

Leo’s constellation and its key stars, including Regulus, are explored through their history, physical characteristics and cultural significance. March’s night sky highlights feature Venus, Jupiter and the Moon forming notable pairings, while Mars dims as winter constellations set and spring constellations rise. Key astronomical dates for the month include lunar phases and the Spring Equinox.

Explains how Earth’s axial precession changes the identity of the North and South Stars over millennia and recounts Hipparchus’s discovery of the phenomenon. Details February’s key astronomical events, including the close approach of comet C/2022 E3, visibility of Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Neptune, and the arrival of the Snow Moon, along with a dated diary of notable sky sights.

Sirius dominates the winter night sky as its bright, color-shifting appearance results from atmospheric distortion. Its cultural significance spans ancient civilizations from Greece to Egypt and Polynesia. The star’s astrophysical properties include high temperature, youth, and a white dwarf companion known as the Pup. January’s sky also features Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and notable lunar alignments, offering multiple celestial events for observers throughout the month.

Mars reaches a close approach to Earth in December, appearing exceptionally bright and undergoing a rare occultation by the full moon on 8 December. Additional celestial events include a lunar occultation of Uranus, prominent views of Jupiter and Saturn, the appearance of Venus and Mercury late in the month, and the Geminid meteor shower. Observers are encouraged to use binoculars or telescopes for enhanced viewing, and Mars’s geological features and scientific exploration—particularly findings from the Perseverance rover—are highlighted for their significance in the search for past life on the planet.

Earth’s passage through debris from comet Encke is expected to produce unusually bright Taurid fireballs in late October, potentially caused by larger rock fragments within the comet’s orbit. Historical impacts in Chelyabinsk and Tunguska may be linked to this debris stream, supporting theories of a massive comet that fragmented 20,000 years ago. October also offers prominent views of Jupiter, Mars and Saturn, the Orionid meteor shower, a partial solar eclipse and several notable lunar alignments.

Explains the apparent backward motion of Mars and Jupiter and traces historical interpretations from ancient China and Babylon to Greek astronomy and Copernicus’s heliocentric model. Highlights November sky events, including visible planets, constellations, the Leonid meteor shower, and a lunar eclipse, concluding with observational tips for stargazers.

Light pollution, orbital debris and radio interference were identified as key threats to astronomy, prompting international efforts led by Dave Crawford and the International Dark-Sky Association. British astronomers advanced the campaign through National Astronomy Week, highlighting the financial and environmental benefits of reducing excessive lighting. The UK now hosts multiple designated dark sky reserves, parks and communities protecting night‑time visibility. September’s sky offers views of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Mars and Venus, with notable celestial events throughout the month. Nigel Henbest promotes dark‑sky advocacy and highlights locations featured in his stargazing guide.

Saturn and its moon Titan offer insights into early Earth, with past missions such as Cassini and Huygens revealing methane lakes, organic-rich haze and geological activity. Scientists aim to deepen exploration using the James Webb Space Telescope to detect key molecules related to RNA and DNA formation, while NASA’s Dragonfly helicopter mission will sample Titan’s surface beginning in 2034. The article also highlights August’s notable night-sky events, including the Summer Triangle, planetary visibility and the Perseid meteor shower.

Explains why July’s full supermoon appears unusually large, attributing the effect to both its closer orbital position and the long‑studied moon illusion caused by retinal processing rather than the brain. Describes how perceived distance cues make the horizon moon seem larger and outlines supporting fMRI findings. Provides stargazing guidance for July, highlighting constellations such as Scorpius and Sagittarius and noting the visibility of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Venus, along with key lunar dates for the month.

June’s night sky highlights the constellations Ophiuchus and Hercules, whose current orientation results from Earth’s axial precession. Mythological associations, the Eagle Nebula, and the Hercules star cluster M13 are featured as notable targets. The month also offers views of the full supermoon, bright stars including Vega and Arcturus, and a sequence of planetary risings after midnight, culminating with Mercury’s appearance late in June.

Observations made with the Ryle Telescope in the 1970s revealed energetic radio emissions from galaxies, leading Donald Lynden-Bell to propose that massive black holes power these structures. Later measurements of the galaxy M87 confirmed the presence of an enormous black hole, eventually imaged directly in 2019 by the Event Horizon Telescope. Astronomers now believe nearly all galaxies contain central black holes, including the Milky Way, whose own black hole is expected to be imaged. The piece also outlines May’s notable sky events, including planetary alignments, meteor showers and a lunar eclipse.

The zodiacal light, a vertical glow caused by sunlight reflecting off interplanetary dust, is most visible in spring evenings when the zodiac rises steeply from the horizon. Observations by Nasa’s Juno spacecraft indicate that this dust is concentrated around Mars’s orbit, challenging earlier assumptions that it originated from comets or asteroid collisions. April offers clear views of prominent constellations, Mercury’s best evening appearance, close planetary groupings before dawn, and the Lyrid meteor shower, with noted skywatching dates throughout the month.

Describes the colours and temperatures of prominent stars visible in March, explains how stellar temperature determines colour, and highlights seasonal changes in constellations as spring approaches. Notes planetary positions in the pre-dawn sky and provides a calendar of key astronomical events for the month.

Ancient Chinese astronomical records are highlighted for providing precise descriptions of celestial events, including supernovae, comets and eclipses, offering critical historical data such as the 1054 supernova that produced the Crab Nebula. The article explains how these observations support modern astronomy and describes current February night-sky sights, including Jupiter’s disappearance into evening twilight, the visibility of Venus, Mars, Mercury and Saturn at dawn and the prominence of winter constellations such as Orion, Gemini and Taurus.

Orion dominates the January night sky, with its bright stars, nebula and surrounding constellations described in detail alongside the astronomical processes shaping them. The Orion Nebula is highlighted as a vast region of star formation containing hot young stars, protoplanetary disks and a large molecular cloud rich in complex chemicals. Guidance is provided for observing planetary alignments, prominent stars and constellations throughout the month, along with key January celestial events and moon phases.

A bright December sky offers views of Venus at peak brilliance, Jupiter and Saturn in alignment, and Comet Leonard, which may become visible to the naked eye as it approaches Earth and later passes close to Venus. Early mornings provide the best chance to spot the comet near Arcturus before it moves into the evening sky and fades. The month also features a total solar eclipse visible only from Antarctica, shifting lunar positions, and the Geminid meteor shower, one of the year’s strongest, caused by debris from asteroid Phaeton.

Describes the prominence of the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters in November’s night sky, explaining their mythological associations, physical characteristics and positions within the constellation Taurus. Highlights planetary alignments featuring Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Mars, notes the impact of the brightening Moon on the Leonid meteor shower and outlines key astronomical events throughout the month.

Describes prominent October night‑sky sights, highlighting the Andromeda galaxy, Triangulum galaxy and various members of the Local Group while explaining their significance in understanding galaxy formation and dark matter. Notes visible planets including Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury and provides a detailed calendar of astronomical events throughout the month.

Explains why day and night are not exactly equal on the autumn equinox, detailing the effects of the Sun’s apparent size and atmospheric refraction. Provides key September skywatching highlights including visibility of Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with dates of notable lunar alignments and astronomical events. Includes a diary of celestial occurrences throughout the month and references an annual stargazing guide.

Explains the origin of the Perseid meteor shower, its connection to the legend of St Lawrence, and why viewing conditions are favourable this year. Offers guidance on observing meteors, visible planets, notable stars, and key celestial events throughout August.

Explains the origins and meanings of various traditional names for full moons, including colour-related terms such as blood moons, blue moons and black moons, as well as culturally rooted names used throughout the year. Describes July’s full moon appearance and outlines notable astronomical events involving Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter, along with a diary of key celestial dates for the month.

A June solar eclipse offers partial or annular views across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the UK, while marking the beginning of a period of heightened solar activity that could threaten modern infrastructure. The Sun’s intensifying magnetic cycle increases the risk of powerful solar storms, posing particular danger to astronauts as Nasa prepares for future lunar missions. Spacecraft such as the European Solar Orbiter and Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe aim to improve prediction of these eruptions. Additional night-sky events throughout June include planetary alignments, close passes of the Moon, and the rising of Jupiter and Saturn.

Mercury becomes visible in May with Venus serving as a guide, offering a rare opportunity to observe the innermost planet. Its cratered surface, extreme temperatures and large iron core have been revealed through past NASA missions, while unexplained features such as polar ice deposits raise new scientific questions. ESA’s BepiColombo mission is expected to shed further light on Mercury’s origins when it arrives in 2025. The article also highlights notable planetary alignments and lunar events occurring throughout the month.

Hydra’s long, faint star pattern is linked to ancient navigational needs, with researchers suggesting its origins trace back to around 2800 BC and the Minoan seafaring culture. Its alignment with the celestial equator in that era may explain its unusual length, while related constellations like Serpens and Draco also held key positions in the sky. The article outlines April’s visible constellations, planetary movements and meteor activity, noting Venus’s emergence as an evening star and the limited visibility of the Lyrid meteor shower due to moonlight.

Leo’s Regulus and Virgo’s Spica dominate the March night sky with their unusual distorted shapes created by rapid rotation and close-orbiting stellar companions. Cygnus X-1 illustrates extreme stellar deformation caused by a nearby black hole. Mars, Aldebaran, and several notable lunar alignments offer prominent evening and morning sky sights, with planetary activity including close approaches of Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn through the month.

January offers early nightfall and clear winter skies ideal for observing bright stars, constellations and planets including Orion, Taurus, the Pleiades, Mars, Uranus and Venus. Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury form notable alignments with the crescent moon, and the Milky Way is visible under dark conditions. A schedule of key lunar and planetary events throughout the month supports stargazers seeking optimal viewing opportunities.

Explains the rare close alignment of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December, its historical precedents, and its possible connection to interpretations of the Star of Bethlehem. Outlines additional December sky events including Mars, the Pleiades, Orion, the Geminid meteor shower, a solar eclipse, and Venus’s appearance before dawn, concluding with a brief observational diary for the month.

Describes how the Andromeda galaxy, visible as a faint smudge to the naked eye, is the most distant object most people can see at 2.5 million light years away. Details its structure, brightness, massive central black hole and vast gas halo, and notes its eventual collision course with the Milky Way. Provides a guide to planets and constellations visible in November, along with key astronomical events throughout the month.

September offers views of bright planets including Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus, alongside faint constellations with ancient aquatic themes such as Aquarius, Capricornus and Pisces. Notable sky objects include the variable star Mira, several double stars and the Helix Nebula. Key celestial events this month feature close approaches of the Moon to major planets and the autumn equinox. A stargazing guidebook by Heather Couper and Nigel Henbest has been released for those seeking more detailed information.

The piece highlights August’s night-sky sights, including Jupiter, Saturn and the Milky Way’s core, and explains how dust obscures the galaxy’s center from visible observation. It describes how infrared and radio observations from major telescopes reveal the presence of a supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, and outlines ongoing efforts by the Event Horizon Telescope to image it. The article also guides readers through major constellations, planetary positions and notable astronomical events such as the Perseid meteor shower, alongside dates for key lunar phases and celestial alignments.

Jupiter and Saturn dominate July’s night sky as they reach their closest approaches to Earth, prompting a discussion of how their early orbital movements shaped the formation of the solar system. The grand tack theory proposes that Jupiter first migrated inward, clearing material that could have formed super-Earths, before Saturn’s gravitational influence reversed its path, allowing the inner rocky planets, including Earth, to form. The article also offers practical guidance for observing major planets throughout the month and highlights upcoming celestial events, along with book recommendations for further stargazing and astronomy learning.

Explains the formation and increasing frequency of noctilucent clouds, linking them to atmospheric conditions, methane levels, volcanic and space dust, and rocket launches. Highlights ideal viewing circumstances for these rare summer clouds and provides a guide to prominent stars, constellations, and planetary positions visible throughout June, along with key astronomical dates.

Comet Atlas, once expected to shine brightly in May, has broken into dozens of fragments, while Australian astronomer Michael Mattiazzo has discovered Comet Swan, now moving northward and likely to become faintly visible with binoculars. Scientists aim to study its pristine material, and future missions such as the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor are being prepared to explore first‑time or interstellar comets. May’s sky also features Venus fading from the evening sky, Mercury appearing nearby, prominent constellations including the Plough, and pre-dawn views of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

Venus reaches peak brightness in April, appearing brilliant enough to cast shadows while displaying a crescent shape through telescopes as it moves closer to Earth. Its harsh atmospheric conditions, volcanic activity and potential for microbial life in its cloud layers are explored alongside upcoming sky events, including a Venus–Pleiades conjunction, a supermoon, the Lyrid meteor shower and the visibility of Comet Atlas. Additional notes highlight prominent constellations and planetary positions throughout the month.

Pluto’s 1930 discovery and naming are traced through the subsequent debate over its planetary status, which shifted in 2006 when the International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a dwarf planet alongside similar distant bodies. Observations from the New Horizons mission revealed Pluto’s icy terrain and heart-shaped Tombaugh Regio. The article outlines March’s key celestial events, including visible constellations, planetary alignments, and opportunities to observe Pluto, and concludes with a schedule of notable astronomical dates and recommended stargazing guides.

Betelgeuse has faded to around 40 per cent of its September brightness, with its temperature and apparent size also falling, prompting speculation that it could soon become a supernova. The article explains that the dimming is most likely the result of overlapping natural cycles in the unstable red supergiant, not an imminent core collapse; researchers Edward Guinan and Richard Wasatonic expect it to reach a minimum around 21 February before brightening. The guide also highlights February viewing opportunities, including Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, the Moon and prominent winter constellations.

Nigel Henbest recounts joining 86-year-old astronaut Buzz Aldrin on an expedition from Cape Town to White Desert’s Whichaway Camp and the South Pole. The trip involved skiing, ice climbing, exploring ice caves and flying across the Antarctic Plateau to Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Although Aldrin reached the station, low blood-oxygen levels led to his precautionary evacuation before he could visit the Ceremonial Pole, while the expedition highlighted the extreme conditions and growing access to high-end Antarctic tourism.