In the shops: solar system

The Sky-Watcher Heliostar 76Ha refractor is a fresh new addition to the well-known manufacturer’s telescope line-up and its first venture into dedicated hydrogen-alpha instruments. The spec is highly

STARGAZING TECH

Ever-increasing light pollution and urban sprawl have prompted many of us to seek darker skies to put our equipment to better use. With several dark-sky sites accessible from where we live, we were ex

The best optics and outdoor products tried & tested for you

Best time to see: 31 August, 04:00 BST (03:00 UT) Altitude: 48° Location: Taurus Direction: Southeast Features: Colour, subtle atmospheric banding, moons Recommended equipment: 200mm or larger It’s su

BEST TIME TO SEE: From 03:30 BST (02:30 UT) all month. Closest approach on 12 August Venus is the brightest planet that can be seen from Earth. At its peak brightness, when 22% illuminated, Venus appr