The Oort Cloud: A Spherical Shell of Mysteries Imagine a vast, spherical shell encasing our solar system’s periphery, home to icy objects and potential comets – that’s the Oort Cloud. Unlike the flattened disk of the Kuiper Belt, which you can read about in my article ‘Where is the Kuiper Belt?’, the Oort Cloud forms…
Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Now you have a taste of what Astronomy is all about you will start to consider whether you want to buy a telescope or a pair of binoculars. It’s at this point my suggestion is to buy a pair of binoculars first, about 10…
Our fascination with the Universe has led us to unlock the very many ways that we can observe it. The key to further unlocking its secrets are radio telescopes. Unlike their optical counterparts that rely on visible light, radio telescopes detect radio waves emitted by celestial objects. This allows astronomers to observe the universe in…
The moon’s dance through its phases is a monthly ritual that fascinates us. It goes from invisible to fully illuminated and back again. But what’s really happening up there? I’ll walk you through it, starting with the New Moon. This phase kicks off the lunar cycle and occurs when the moon is positioned between Earth…
Why Joining an Astronomy Society is a Must for Stargazers Astronomy societies might be the coolest clubs you’ve never heard of. These organizations unite people with a shared fascination for the cosmos, offering opportunities to explore the night sky, deepen your knowledge, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to stargazing or a seasoned…
Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about those twinkling hazy patches? What you’re staring at are galaxies and nebulae, the building blocks of our universe. To kick things off, let’s get a grip on what galaxies and nebulae are all about. Galaxies are massive systems made up of stars, planets, gas, and…
Meteor showers and comets have fascinated us for centuries. Think about the wonder of looking up at the night sky and seeing streaks of light or a glowing object with a tail stretching across the stars. But what exactly are these celestial spectacles? Meteor showers are essentially space debris. When comets path near the sun,…
Astrophotography, the art of capturing images of celestial objects and phenomena, is a thrilling and often challenging hobby that offers a unique perspective on the universe. Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what this involves and decide on your focus—whether Deep Sky objects like galaxies and nebulae or closer-to-home subjects like planets and the…
Now you have a taste of what Astronomy is all about you will start to consider whether you want to buy a telescope or a pair of binoculars. It’s at this point my suggestion is to buy a pair of binoculars first, about 10 x 60 is adequate. I say this is you can learn…
