Exclusive to members – Popular Astronomy Magazine
The September–October 2026 issue of our bimonthly magazine is out now. It is packed with interesting articles, but you won’t find it in the shops. That’s because Popular Astronomy is available exclusively to members of the Society for Popular Astronomy.
To get your own copy, plus all the other benefits of belonging to Britain’s brightest astronomical society, click here now to become a member of the SPA!
Latest News
Saturn’s rings on show again
Saturn is the planet with the rings, right? But for the past couple of years, the planet has been a disappointment to those with small telescopes hoping for a spectacular view. The planet has not put on its usual display because the rings have been almost edge-on to Earth. It’s been an unusual sight, but lacking in drama. But now they are back, and the planet is higher in the sky from the UK than it has been since 2010.
Now for the next eclipse!
The great partial solar eclipse of 2026 is over! Generally good weather across the UK meant that hundreds of thousands of people got to see the event, with the Sun’s disc being narrowed down to a thin crescent as the Moon moved in front of it. But the eclipse story isn’t over yet! There’s a deep partial lunar eclipse coming up on 28 August, and another good partial solar eclipse in a year’s time – so put the dates in your diary now and don’t get caught out!
Get ready for the great August eclipse!
There will be a partial eclipse of the Sun visible from the whole of the UK during the evening of Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the Sun appearing as just…
Why you should join the SPA!
Featured content
The Night Sky in August 2026
Here is a map of the sky as it will appear from the latitude of London (51° 50′) for June 2026, at 21h UT (GMT).
Our residential weekend
The SPA runs an annual weekend course where members can observe and learn together.
Choosing a telescope
If you’re interested in astronomy, it stands to reason that you need a telescope, and the bigger the better. But for most of us, there’s a lot of research to do before you can make the plunge. There is a bewildering range of instruments available, but the good news is…
Our observing sections
Whatever your interests, we’ve a section to suit you. Get expert advice and send in your own observations.
How to start stargazing
Learning the sky might seem tricky at first. There are so many stars, and unlike visiting a new town or city, the stars keep on moving around! But don’t give up! With a few tips and tricks, you’ll soon start to tell your Aries from your Aldebaran. The first step is to look at…
