The Moon’s early phases are particularly well placed for observing at this time of year, thanks to the steep angle of the ecliptic relative to the western horizon. This puts the waxing crescent Moon h

Ayoush Lazikani The Medieval Moon A history of haunting and blessing 272pp. Yale University Press. £20 (US $30). Something fundamental changed in our relationship with the moon when we realized we cou

When we’re talking about the Moon, the term ‘promontorium’ describes a headland or cape, an outcrop of rock standing above the surrounding surface. One prominent example can be seen where 650km Mare S

HUMANITY HAS CHANGED AN AWFUL LOT IN THE PAST 58 YEARS. THE MOON? NOT SO MUCH. It was in 1968 that astronauts first drew near the moon, and it will be early this year, if all goes as planned, that a c

Our astronomical adventure in the hills of mid-Wales starts on an unlucky note. The autumnal sunshine of earlier has been swept away by a persistent drizzle rolling across the valleys and hilltops of

The meteor draws a luminous stroke across the darkness and vanishes, like a firework that forgot to boom. Thrusting my cold hand skywards as the bright light flares, I shout “Wow, there goes another o