Despite its apparent unchanging appearance in the daytime sky, the Sun is incredibly dynamic and shrouded in mystery. In this guide, Dr. Ryan French explores history, science, and modern observations to uncover the mysteries of the Sun.

From ancient astronomers who hailed the Sun as a deity, to new age space exploration, the way we observe the Sun has come a long way. Humanity’s scientific journey to understand the Sun has included many intriguing and humorous tales from over the centuries. In today’s age, it is far easier to become a sun observer. Learn about cutting-edge space observations of the Sun and how to access these images from home. Uncover further methods of observing the Sun safely from your own back garden using off-the-shelf solar telescopes, DIY pin-hole cameras and solar projectors.

The perfect gift for anyone wishing to learn more about our local star.

The ideal gift for all amateur and seasoned astronomers. “This is a great guide to the night sky at a great price”Astronomy Now “A handy and straightforward guide.” British Astronomical Association's 'Journal' “an ideal Christmas stocking-filler” The Observatory From the UK’s Number One Astronomy publisher, this is the bestselling stargazing handbook to the planets, stars and constellations visible from the northern hemisphere. With 6 pages for each month covering January–December 2024. This practical guide is an easy introduction to astronomy and a useful reference for seasoned stargazers. Designed for Britain and Ireland but usable anywhere in the world between 40°N and 60°N, covering most of Europe, southern Canada and the northern United States. Advice on where to start looking and a map of dark sky sites to avoid light pollution. Charts for the circumpolar and seasonal constellations. Easy-to-use star charts for each month with descriptions of objects and events to look for in 2024. Positions of the moon, visible planets and eclipses. Includes a section on comets and a detailed map of the moon. Now in three editions: Britain and Ireland; North America; Southern Hemisphere. Written and illustrated by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Answers to the mysteries of the cosmos for inquiring minds. Explore the entire cosmos in 101 fascinating topics – from mind-blowing numbers, astonishing sights, to strange-but-true discoveries and everything in between. Feed your cosmic curiosity with this comprehensive guide to the Universe, featuring 101 out-of-this-world astronomical facts, discoveries and innovations. From gravitational curls to strange new worlds; the night sky to the end of time – you’re sure to find something you never knew before in this mind-expanding book, and with stunning images from the latest and greatest observatories, every turn of the page offers a visual treat. It’s the perfect gift for earthlings who love to learn.

The perfect gift for anyone with a desire to see the Northern Lights. Discover the incomparable beauty of the Northern Lights with this accessible guide for aspiring astronomers and seasoned night sky observers. Covers the essential equipment needed for observation and photography and full of stunning photographs. Tom Kerss covers the cultural and scientific context for auroras, and offers a comprehensive guide to forecasting and photography, so that readers can fuse their own technical mastery with the infinite creativity of nature. Read about the formation, properties and types of auroras Discover the mythology and history of The Northern Lights Find out about Aurora science from Antiquity to the modern day Learn how to take stunning photographs of the Northern Lights Includes a comprehensive travel and forecasting guide and a glossary of key terms. The Northern Lights will give you a complete understanding of one of the true wonders of the natural world and leave you prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

A stunning gift for admirers of astrophotography. From the number one Astronomy publisher, this book showcases the most spectacular space photography, taken from locations across the globe. Marvel at the wonders of the universe captured by the most talented astrophotographers. Be captivated by 140 winning and shortlisted images from the 2023 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. These awe-inspiring images are submitted in several categories: Skyscapes, Our Sun, Galaxies, Our Moon, Aurorae, Planets, Comets and Asteroids, People and Space, Stars and Nebulae. Plus Best Newcomer, Image Innovation and Young Competitor categories. Each image is accompanied by caption, photographer, location and technical details. There is also a location map showing the origin of all images and a visual appendix of all images. The judges are from an expert panel of distinguished astronomy experts. The Exhibition The National Maritime Museum hosts an exhibition of the winners of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing these incredible images of the sky. www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto

An in-depth guide for aspiring astronomers and Moon observers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Includes detailed Moon maps and covers the history of lunar observation and exploration, the properties of the Moon, its origin and orbit. This is the ideal book for Moon observers covering essential equipment, and the key events to look out for. Detailed advice is given on how to choose a telescope and how to capture the Moon in sketches. Discover all you need to know about eclipses, blue moons, supermoons, conjunctions and occultations. A comprehensive section covers astrophotography using lenses, telescopes, Smartphones, including video and how to process your images. Comes with a photographic atlas of lunar features with plates and annotated maps. A glossary of key terms, index of lunar features and software references are also provided.

The ideal gift for all amateur and seasoned astronomers. This is the ideal resource for beginners and experienced stargazers in the United States and Canada, and has been updated to include new and practical information covering events occurring in North America's night sky throughout 2024. This practical guide is both an easy introduction to astronomy and a useful reference for seasoned stargazers. Now includes a section on comets and a map of the moon. Designed specifically for North America. Written and illustrated by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Content includes: Advice on where to start looking. Easy-to-use star maps for each month with descriptions of what to see. Positions of the moon and visible planets. Details of objects and events in 2024. Now in three editions: Britain and Ireland; North America; Southern Hemisphere.

The ideal gift for aspiring astronomers. The sights in our Solar System are dynamic reminders of our planet's position as part of a larger neighbourhood. Study the ever-changing face of the Moon, watch the steady march of the planets against the stars, witness the thrill of a meteor shower, or the memory of a once-in-a-generation comet. In a few short generations, scientists have taken us from wondering about the nature of the Solar System to exploring every corner of it with advanced robotic probes, and inexpensive but powerful telescopes have become ubiquitous, allowing all of us to follow in the footsteps of Galileo as explorers. In this guide, you will learn how the Solar System came to be understood - from ancient theories of its mechanics to the modern age of remote sensing, We'll then look at the significant targets for amateur astronomers - the Moon, Sun and planets - to see how they can be explored by eye and with telescopes. We'll discuss some of the more obscure but fascinating worlds, including asteroids and dwarf planets, and dazzling special events, such as meteor showers, conjunctions, occultations and eclipses.

A brilliant introductory guide to exploring the night sky, from the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Offering complete advice from the ground up, Stargazing is the perfect manual for beginners to astronomy – introducing the world of telescopes, planets, stars, dark skies and celestial maps. Discover how to tackle light pollution, how to stargaze with just your eyes, and what equipment is best for beginners. Astronomy experts Radmila Topalovic and Tom Kerss explain the best ways to plan your stargazing experience and the key things to look out for on specific dates throughout the year. With seasonal star charts, constellation charts and facts about our Solar System, Stargazing is packed of useful information and guidance for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Bridging the gap between human curiosity and the need for scientific expertise, Stargazing allows a complete novice to understand our place in the cosmos and enjoy the beautiful and extraordinary wonders of the night sky. The perfect companion to the best-selling Guide to the Night Sky from Collins, Stargazing is a great way to get started in the fascinating world of astronomy. Download your free resource booklet to follow the star chart explanations on the Stargazing audiobook – visit collins.co.uk/stargazing-booklet

Are you a super-massive space fan? Great! Let’s go on an adventure through the Solar System and BEYOND! Would you like to know where to find rubber-duck shaped space rocks, ice-spewing volcanoes and raindrops the size of mini marshmallows? Maybe you want to find out how many giant squids you would need to form a conga line long enough to reach the Moon? You’ll find the answers to these questions and plenty more in this brilliant guide to the Solar System, brought to you by the world-famous Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Prepare to have your brain boggled by the amazing world of space science and astronomy!

Whether stargazing with the naked eye or observing deep space with the largest telescopes in the world, humans have a seemingly neverending fascination with the stars. Our ancestors saw patterns in their random arrangement, inventing both tales of legendary heroes and the pastime of dot-to-dot in one fell swoop. But it's only in the last century or so that the natures of these distant lights have been revealed - and it's more incredible than any legend. How are stars born? How long do they live? And just how many times can you read the word 'trillion' before it starts sounding made up? Find out as astronomer Dr Greg Brown of Royal Observatory Greenwich takes a short diversion from obsessing over black holes to illuminate us about the lives of stars - ending in black holes, naturally.

A beautiful gift for beginner and seasoned stargazers alike From the number one Astronomy publisher, a beautiful astrophotography book, showcasing the most spectacular space photography, taken from locations across the globe. Marvel at the wonders of the universe captured by the most talented astrophotographers. A perfect gift for all interested in exploring the mysteries of our solar system and beyond. Be captivated by 140 winning and shortlisted images from the 2020 Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. These awe-inspiring images are submitted in several categories: aurorae, galaxies, our Moon, our Sun, people and space, planets, comets and asteroids, skyscapes, stars and nebulae and a young competitor category. Each image is accompanied by caption, photographer, location and technical details. There is also a location map showing the origin of all images and a visual appendix of all images. The judges are from an expert panel of distinguished astronomy experts. The Exhibition The National Maritime Museum hosts an exhibition of the winners of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing these incredible images of the sky. www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto

Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Levelled for guided and independent reading, each book includes ideas to support reading. Teaching and assessment support and eBooks are also available. The amazing auroras – sometimes known as the northern or southern lights – are lights which appear in the sky at certain times. Find out where you can see them and what causes this phenomenal natural light show. Emerald/Band 15 books provide a widening range of genres including science fiction and biography, prompting more ways to respond to texts. Text type – An information book. Curriculum Links – Science

Black holes. What even are they? In brief, a black hole is a region of spacetime so curved by gravity that even light cannot escape it. They're peculiar objects - and notoriously difficult to understand - but are actually a fascinating fusion of the simple and the complex. Although the mathematics describing their behaviour is fiendishly difficult, we can explore the subject by starting with basic principles and straightforward thought experiments. Read on to uncover what's inside a black hole, how scientists discovered this amazing phenomena, even what to do if you find yourself falling into one... and since no one is likely to turn up and help (you'll find out why), what you need to do to escape! Common myths about black holes are dispelled, there is guidance on how to win several Nobel prizes, and the eventual fate of the entire Universe is revealed (maybe)... A little bit of time travel might also be involved!

Space is far bigger than humanity can conceive. Although our ancestors visually examined the skies to make sense of the Universe, space exploration in its truest sense is just a moment in this historical timeline, yet it is how we've significantly improved our understanding of the cosmos. Space Exploration begins with the evolution of astronomy, including notable characters, scientific breakthroughs and pinnacle moments. It delves into the development of robotic spacecraft and what uncrewed and crewed missions above and beyond our planet have uncovered. It questions how this knowledge will aid us in our future space endeavours, and the myriad questions that remain unanswered.

From a planet with a hexagonal storm to the home of the Solar System's largest volcano, our neighbouring bodies are unique and fascinating places. Where else would you find somewhere with days longer than its years? Humanity's understanding of planets has changed drastically since ancient times when early astronomers mistook the lights they saw in the sky for wandering stars. We've come a long way since then, but there's still so much we don't know. Could there be life on Mars? How many planets exist outside the Solar System? Is there another 'Earth' out there? And why can't we call Pluto a planet anymore? Discover more in this essential guide to planets in the Solar System and beyond by astronomer Dr Emily Drabek-Maunder of Royal Observatory Greenwich.

An enthralling exploration of the star on our doorstep, charting the journey from ancient superstition to the deep scientific mysteries yet to be resolved. The Sun examines how we've come to understand the features and processes at work in our star, starting with the earliest observations of mysterious sunspots and ending with the rich and complex investigation of the connected Sun-Earth system. It reveals the interconnected sciences involved in finding out more about the Sun and the practical importance of doing so for our modern world. It's a slow-burn tale of scientific discovery!

This is the ideal resource for beginners and experienced stargazers in the United States and Canada, and has been updated to include new and practical information covering events occurring in North America's night sky throughout 2021. This practical guide is both an easy introduction to astronomy and a useful reference for seasoned stargazers. Now includes a section on comets and a map of the moon. Designed specifically for North America. Written and illustrated by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Content includes: * Advice on where to start looking. * Easy-to-use star maps for each month with descriptions of what to see. * Positions of the moon and visible planets. * Details of objects and events in 2021. * Now in three editions: Britain and Ireland; North America; Southern Hemisphere.

Easily find stars and constellations in the night sky every day of the year. A starfinder that allows visible stars to be identified for any date and time for locations in the Northern Hemisphere. Compiled by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. An easy-to-use practical tool to help any astronomer identify the constellations and stars every day of the year. Just dial in the date and time by rotating the inner disk showing the time until it lines up with the relevant day of the year on the outer ring. The part of the sky appearing on the planisphere shows the arrangement of the stars above you. This star chart is suitable for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Canada and Northern USA. Best viewed as near to latitude 50 degrees north as possible. The moveable disk also comes in a wallet which contains further information about stargazing.

This charming book is guaranteed to please any young fan of space exploration and science. The activities found in these pages invite readers to solve puzzles, color in pictures--and draw their own--and even qualify for their very first Teddy Space Agency Certificate. Packed with stickers and full of fun, it will be the perfect gift for budding astronauts.

All the winning and shortlisted images from the 2014 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, which is organized by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The images are submitted in one of the following categories: * Earth and Space * Our Solar System * Deep Space * Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year And can also be entered for one of the special prizes: * Best Newcomer * People and Space * Robotic Scope Each image is accompanied by caption, photographer, location and technical details. Exhibition Every year the Royal Observatory, Greenwich hosts a free exhibition of the winners of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, showcasing some incredible images of the sky. www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto

How old is Earth? Can we look back in time? How long is a light year? How short is a femtosecond? What is Greenwich Mean Time? How did astronauts tell the time on the Moon? When did time begin? It's high time you knew the answers to these and many more intriguing questions, so why not pass the time reading this lighthearted, illustrated miscellany, packed with hundreds of amazing facts from the time experts at the Royal Observatory. In less than no time, you'll have discovered the myriad of influences that time has on our daily lives.

The perfect gift for amateur and seasoned astronomers. Follow the progress of constellations throughout the seasons with this beautiful companion to the night sky from Astronomy experts Collins. With the aid of easy-to-understand monthly calendars and maps, you will chart the rhythm of the lunar phases, discover events that light up the sky for brief periods, and explore the rich tapestry of characters that adorn the starry canvas overhead. You can delve as deeply as you like, or follow your own favourite subject throughout the year. never miss a night sky event wherever you are in the world with this month-by-month guide go meteor spotting, track the phases of the moon and explore the constellations worldwide coverage - with details for both the Northern and Southern hemispheres discover fascinating celestial facts and notable astronomical anniversaries Written and illustrated by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.