Marcus 
If you’re wondering about that large ring around the Moon and what it means, you might be interested in the following. It’s what I discovered about the cause and meaning of Moon halos used for weather prediction. I’ve always held the belief that when you see a ring around the Moon it means rain is … Read more
You might have this cheap refractor you bought or were given as an intro to astronomy. These types are fun for looking at the moon and planets. But you’ll find the tripod is not up to scratch and it makes sense to consider upgrading. Here’s how to fix a flimsy tripod and what to know… … Read more
Nature spotting scopes are used for terrestrial or marine viewing. Can they double for astronomy use? Yes, is the answer, but with limitations. In this article, I discuss the pros and cons of using a nature spotting scope vs astronomy telescope as an instrument for looking at objects, high in the sky. Key takeaway for … Read more
Conjunctions in astronomy happen frequently. The rarer ones are interesting and worth getting out and observing. It’s a way to acquaint yourself with the night sky as a beginner. Not all conjunctions are the same and if you’re a beginner here’s what to know about the meaning of conjunctions in astronomy… Key takeaway about the … Read more
Wondering whether binoculars are any good for astronomy. There are many reasons to use binoculars in stargazing. How good are binoculars for astronomy? Here are 13 reasons to invest in a pair if you’re a night sky watcher… What can you see with astronomy binoculars? Let’s see. Comets. The Moon’s features in more detail. But read … Read more
Try using binoculars freehand when looking at the night sky far above the horizon. You’re not alone If you have trouble holding them steady. It can be frustrating, but it’s easily solved. There are simple ways to hold binoculars steady, which I cover below. Simple fixes: How to hold binoculars steady When I first used … Read more
Astronomy binoculars are a great way to explore the cosmos from your own backyard or a dark-sky location. Finding the perfect pair can be overwhelming now that so many options are available. Here, I take you through some key features to consider when choosing astronomy binoculars… What to know when buying astronomy binoculars Looking through … Read more
There are a total of 88 constellations in the night sky. A few constellations are unique to ‘down under’. Here, the sky is ‘upside down’ compared to the northern hemisphere and groups of stars display particular patterns of interest because of the orientation and cultural significance. I mentioned how the Moon appears upside down in … Read more
Is Mercury visible through my telescope? What can I see of Mercury? It is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to our Sun. Here’s what to know about seeing Mercury through a telescope, binoculars, or with the naked-eye. When is Mercury visible? What does Mercury look like through a telescope? To … Read more
You might be wondering what magnification works best for getting a close-up of Mars and what features you’re likely to see? Polar caps, moons? You know how Mars is the red planet but what and how can you see beyond a red disk? Let’s dive in… A bit about Mars: Mars has an apparent magnitude … Read more