Exclusive to members – Popular Astronomy Magazine
The May–June 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
Watch as Venus and Jupiter swap places
Two bright planets are attracting attention in the western sky after sunset during June 2026 – Venus and Jupiter. But which is which? Actually, they swap places during the month. And we show you how to catch a glimpse of Mercury in the middle of the month.
Make the most of the May sky
It’s May, and the sky doesn’t get truly dark until quite late in the UK, especially in more northerly areas, so you need to stay up late to do your stargazing. But there are still some great sights to be seen without losing sleep. Here’s a quick guide to some of the things that you can find in the May sky.
Finding Orion
What’s the best-known constellation? The Plough (or Big Dipper)*? The Southern Cross? Actually, it has to be Orion, because unlike the other two it’s visible the whole world over, it’s very easily recognised and it has more bright stars than any other star pattern.
Why you should join the SPA!
Featured content
The Night Sky in June 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 weekend courses
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…
