The sky guide challenge

You may have bought this December issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine because you’ve been given – or you’ve treated yourself to – a new telescope for Christmas. And you may be wondering what to do with

1 Dec 00:00 AEDT (30 Nov, 13:00 UT) 15 Dec 23:00 AEDT (12:00 UT) 31 Dec 22:00 AEDT (11:00 UT) The chart accurately matches the sky on the dates and times shown for Sydney, Australia. The sky is differ

Astronomers are now regularly detecting planets thousands of light years from Earth – but have we missed one in our own Solar System?

The Milky Way is a firm favourite for nightscape photographers and astrophotographers alike, but beautiful images of our Galaxy are well within reach of beginners with basic entry-level equipment too.

Spot magnificent wintertime sky illuminations in these key hotspots

It’s December, which means it’s time for the best meteor shower of the year – the Geminids. Perseids fans may disagree, but long, dark nights and a broader activity peak give the Geminids the edge. Tr