In this issue

Chang’e 6 journeys to the lunar far side

Particle physics 101

8 facts about the search for alien life

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

O&A WITH AN ECLIPSE CHASER

On 14 October 2023, an annular eclipse passed across mainland USA. Comedian and stargazer Jon Culshaw was there to witness it

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

Ursa Major 6-inch f/8 Planetary Dobsonian

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

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

Venus's hostile atmosphere

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

3 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

THE BIG THREE

The top sights to observe or image this month

4 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

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

Same stars, different stories

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

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

Swirling supernova's secret sibling

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

2 mins

No call for sea legs on Titan

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

2 mins

Plans for an all-UK space mission set in motion

Four British astronauts could soon be heading into orbit

2 mins

Rare cosmic explosion deepens a mystery

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

2 mins

THREE'S COMPANY

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

1 min

When it comes to lighting, less is more

Patricia Yanez on designing considerate lighting for a luxury Red Sea resort

2 mins

Early Universe seen running slow

Cosmic clocks appear to run slower soon after the Big Bang, just as Einstein predicted

2 mins

Mastering flats

Adding DSLR flat frames to your workflow to improve your deep-sky images

3 mins

Make a Solar System diorama

An easy, fun craft project to learn about our neighbouring planets

3 mins

Star-hopping

Steve Tonkin explains an easy technique to navigate your way around the night sky

3 mins

The rock hunter RETURNS

As OSIRIS-REx becomes the latest spacecraft to bring back samples from another world, Ezzy Pearson examines how these missions help reveal our Solar System's history

8 mins

Lights in the darkness Photographing the aurora

Wilderness photographer Valtteri Hirvonen - who spends nearly half the year in darkness in his native Finland - reveals how he found new inspiration in the Northern Lights

5 mins

Capturing a first: the Spin Nebula

Amateur astronomers work collaboratively to produce first high-resolution image of little-known nebula He 2-11

1 min

10 targets to get you started in astrophotography

From star trails to your first planets, Tom Kerss shares 10 inspiring projects to kick off your night photography journey

7 mins

Highlights of the autumn skies

From returning favourites to unmissable one-off events, Katrin Raynor picks out the best night-sky sights coming up in the months ahead

5 mins

Askar 130PHQ flatfield apo refractor

If you've got the budget, this hefty refractor's got fine views and a deluxe feel

3 mins

Create your best image of Saturn

Great pictures of the ringed planet start as video, before stacking and processing

3 mins

Image a fisheye Milky Way

Ultra-wide-angle lenses capture our Galaxy crossing the whole sky. Here's what to consider

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.