BBC Sky at Night Magazine - April 2023

In this issue

Mercury returns to twilight
The tiniest planet is back! We show you how to spot it.

Cosmology crash course
As our series continues, we ask: does the Universe have an edge?

The new space age
We report from the international conference on all things space..

INSIDE THE SKY AT NIGHT

In just a generation, humanity has gone from knowing of a handful of planets - those in our Solar System - to confirming the existence of over 5,000.

3 mins

FIELD OF VIEW

The very, very early Space Race

2 mins

JUICE TAKES FLIGHT

Set to launch this month, the European-led JUICE spacecraft will explore the frozen worlds orbiting the gas giant Jupiter.

9 mins

Mercury returns to twilight

The inner wanderer graces our evening skies once again this month.

8 mins

Does the Universe have an edge?

It's one of the most perplexing questions in cosmology: does our Universe have an edge?

3 mins

The new Space Age

With 70 nations, space-mad billionaires and eager private companies all vying for a stake - but no laws or rules -space today is verging on a free-for-all.

8 mins

Imaging with MULTI-BAND FILTERS

Over the last few years there has been an explosion of multi-band filters for astrophotographers.

8 mins

Master the art of averted vision

If you're new to stargazing, a faint object like C/2022 E3 ZTF, the comet that had us all excited earlier this year, isn't the best target for a first look through a telescope - the chances are you won't see a thing.

3 mins

Build a Bahtinov mask

Make an astrophotography focusing aid to fit any telescope

3 mins

Experiments with Venus

Try out these activities while the Evening Star is shining bright in our skies

3 mins

Speed up your workflow

Save time by automating common processing steps like boosting contrast and reducing noise

3 mins

Q&A WITH A BLACK HOLE PHYSICIST

The Event Horizon Telescope continues to test Einstein's general relativity predictions under the most extreme conditions

3 mins

Read all stories from BBC Sky at Night Magazine

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.