- Jupiter is currently at its best – look for a brilliant bright “star” in the south at mid night. Binoculars will show its biggest moons. Saturn’s best show is in June when it will appear as a yellow star-like object low in the south. A small telescope will reveal its rings.
- A total eclipse of the moon takes place on 27 July and is visible from the UK – it will rise in the east already in totality and will look very red. Partial eclipse from about 10pm. Great event – don’t miss it, but you will need a low eastern horizon to make the best of it.
- From late May until early August look for noctilucent clouds (pictured) on the northern horizon. They are the highest clouds on earth and shine after dusk and before dawn. UK one of best locations in world to see them. Glow in the dark hence their name.
- Big meteor showers this year are the Perseids (13 August), Orionids (22 October), Leonids (17 November) and Geminids (13 December).
- Click the blog thoughts tab above for advice on buying telescopes.
