One of the things I love most about the world of astronomy is its incredible variety and depth. With so much to get your head around, though, this richness can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting to explore the subject. It’s not a feeling that ever goes away completely, by the way – believe me. Even after twenty five years immersed in this amazing field, I regularly encounter things that melt my brain!

In the short guides below I’ve tried to demystify the topics that people most frequently ask, or email, me about. Each one is intended to be a simple, non-exhaustive, introduction that you can use as a launchpad into a more detailed exploration. I hope you enjoy reading them and that you find them useful as you embark on your own astronomical adventures.

Banner image credits
Saturn image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute. Hubble galaxy image: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Leonard