Starry, starry nights

Spot magnificent wintertime sky illuminations in these key hotspots

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

(whatever your budget!)

The parks and wilderness areas of Italy are some of the most dramatic on the continent, ranging from Europe’s highest active volcano to the last refuge of the Marsican bear. We pick 21 of the wildest to explore…

Take a road trip around Scotland’s ‘misty isle’ for volcanic rock formations, wild swimming at the Fairy Pools and warming drams of cask whisky.

Liz Zorab chooses her favourite plants inspired by the skies