BBC Sky at Night Magazine - August 2023

In this issue

Prime time for the PERSEIDS
Why summer’s best meteor shower promises a spectacular display.

INSIDE THE SKY AT NIGHT

In the latest episode of The Sky at Night, Arik Kershenbaum considers whether it's inevitable that intelligent alien civilisations are out there

3 mins

What does space smell like?

From rum to rotten eggs, Jonathan Powell turns his nose to heaven's scents

2 mins

See the Perseids in their prime

With no bright moonlight to spoil things, 2023 could be a vintage year for summer's strongest meteor shower. Paul G Abel tells us how to make the most of the Perseids

8 mins

Catch Saturn's ring before they disappear

Jane Clark explains the gear, software and techniques beginners need to capture Saturn on camera before its famous rings vanish from view

7 mins

The great American eclipses

In a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, two solar eclipses are about to cross over the USA. Jamie Carter has the details

2 mins

THE BIG THREE

The top sights to observe or image this month

4 mins

10 locations to make you fall in love with the Moon again

Rekindle your passion for the Moon with Stuart Atkinson's pick of the best lesser-known lunar locations you'll love

7 mins

The mystery of SOLAR MAXIMUM

The Sun has been increasingly active over the last few years, far more so than astronomers predicted. Ezzy Pearson investigates

8 mins

Wild weather across the Solar System

Katrin Raynor looks at the extreme climates found on our neighbouring planets

3 mins

Image a fisheye Milky Way

Ultra-wide-angle lenses capture our Galaxy crossing the whole sky. Here's what to consider

3 mins

Create your best image of Saturn

Great pictures of the ringed planet start as video, before stacking and processing

3 mins

Askar 130PHQ flatfield apo refractor

If you've got the budget, this hefty refractor's got fine views and a deluxe feel

3 mins

Read all stories from {{magazineName}}

BBC Sky at Night Magazine Description:

Complementing the much-loved BBC television programme, Sky at Night Magazine is your practical guide to astronomy. Each issue features columns by renowned experts such as Sir Patrick Moore as well as in-depth cosmological features, practical observing tutorials, comprehensive equipment reviews, astrophotography master classes and much, much more. And with easy-to follow star charts and expert advice on how to get the most out of the observing month, Sky at Night Magazine is essential reading for both the novice and experienced astronomer.