In this issue

A December Grand Tour
As the outer worlds of our Solar System fortuitously line up this month, join us for our observing tour of the big four planets.

The remains of creation
What the cosmic radiation left over from the Big Bang tells us about how the Universe formed..

THREE'S COMPANY

Galaxy pair Arp-Madore 2339-661 is actually a galaxy trio

1 min

Rare cosmic explosion deepens a mystery

One of the Universe's brightest outbursts seen in an unexpected location

2 mins

Plans for an all-UK space mission set in motion

Four British astronauts could soon be heading into orbit

2 mins

No call for sea legs on Titan

Expect to find gentle breezes and calm seas on Saturn's largest moon

2 mins

Swirling supernova's secret sibling

A companion could be responsible for Puppis A's overlapping rings

2 mins

INSIDE THE SKY AT NIGHT

Host of science podcast The Infinite Monkey Cage Robin Ince joined his co-host Brian Cox on the November episode of The Sky at Night

2 mins

Same stars, different stories

Maggie Aderin-Pocock considers how other cultures interpret the night sky

2 mins

A December GRAND TOUR

Just like the epic journeys of the Voyager probes to our Solar System's outer planets, this tour takes you to the gas and ice giants as they line up in the night sky this month. Stuart Atkinson is your guide

8 mins

The remains of CREATION UNDERSTANDING THE CMB

Left over from the Big Bang, the cosmic microwave background gives astronomers an insight into the entire history of our Universe. Ezzy Pearson explains

7 mins

THE BIG THREE

The top sights to observe or image this month

4 mins

Water, Water, Everywhere?

Penny Wozniakiewicz investigates why astronomers are so concerned with finding water in the Solar System, and why it is vital to our exploration of space

6 mins

Build your EYEPIECE COLLECTION

Great eyepieces are crucial to any astronomical setup. Here Tim Jardine arms you with the info you need to choose the best ones to invest in

7 mins

Venus's hostile atmosphere

Katrin Raynor takes a look at a planet where the skies boil and the clouds rain acid

3 mins

Use freeware to create star trail images

How to turn your frames into beautiful star trail photos in a few clicks

3 mins

Ursa Major 6-inch f/8 Planetary Dobsonian

A decent option for would-be planetary observers on a limited budget

3 mins

Bresser ISA Space Exploration NASA 70/700 AZ telescope

This beginners' package has everything you need to see the Sun, Moon and planets

3 mins

Read all stories from BBC Sky at Night Magazine

BBC Sky at Night Magazine Description:

Complementing the much-loved BBC television programme, Sky at Night Magazine is your practical guide to astronomy. Each issue features columns by renowned experts such as Sir Patrick Moore as well as in-depth cosmological features, practical observing tutorials, comprehensive equipment reviews, astrophotography master classes and much, much more. And with easy-to follow star charts and expert advice on how to get the most out of the observing month, Sky at Night Magazine is essential reading for both the novice and experienced astronomer.