Starwatch

Starwatch chartBid farewell to the harvest moon this week as it cruises through Gemini, the twins, for a close encounter with the star Pollux.In the early hours of 20 September, the moon will be a beautiful waning crescent with 30% of…

Starwatch chart for 11 September looking east-south-east from London at 22.00 BSTSeptember in the northern hemisphere sees the start of astronomy’s observing season, when the nights begin to draw in, making stargazing easier. Greet the…

ChartThere is a delightful grouping of planets and the moon to look forward to in the pre-dawn sky this week. On 25 May, the moon will meet Jupiter and Mars low in the east just before sunrise.The chart shows the view looking east from…

ChartClose out the UK bank holiday with an absolutely delightful sight this evening.Around 21.00 BST, a wafer-thin crescent moon will hang between the star Aldebaran and the planet Mercury. Begin your search as twilight begins to fall,…

ChartWe will end the month as we started it: with a tricky planetary conjunction. Although challenging, it will be a beauty if you can find somewhere with a low enough eastern horizon. The two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, will…

ChartFor the second month in a row, we’re going to use the moon as a signpost as we limber up for the big November challenge of seeing planet Uranus with our naked eyes.The chart shows the view looking west-south-west from London at 1930…

CHARTThis week, watch the full moon rise between the two brightest stars of Leo, the lion.On Wednesday, the moon will rise in the gathering twilight at around 4.52pm GMT. About an hour later, the stars Algieba and Regulus will be visible…

This week, take the time to look north. Start by identifying Ursa Major, the great bear. This large constellation stretches across the northern sky. It is the third largest constellation in the entire sky and has been recognised for…

At this time of year in the northern hemisphere, the constellation of Leo, the Lion, is beautifully placed for observation in the evenings.The chart shows the view tonight, looking south at midnight from London. It presents the perfect…

The young moon slips between Aldebaran and Mars on the evening of 19 March this week, and the tableau is framed by two jewel-box-like star clusters.The chart shows the view looking south-west at 2000 GMT from London. On this evening, the…