Factsheets

Find out more about astronomy with our new range of factsheets, created by HCO astronomers. These are only the first few factsheets, and many more are currently being made, so like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with our latest information, tips and advice.

 

Astronomy

Starting Astronomy

Astronomy is a rewarding hobby and it is very easy to get started. A starry sky on a dark clear night is a wonderful sight: your astronomy can begin with your unaided eyesight, and you can do even more with a pair of binoculars...

Buying a Telescope

When you have progressed to the point of buying a telescope you are faced with a bewildering variety of types, but a few simple decisions should make the choice a little more straightforward more...

 

The Solar System

The Moon

The Moon is the Earth’s only natural satellite, it is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old and it is the fifth largest Moon in the Solar System more...

The Inner Planets

The Inner Planets are the four planets  which have the closest orbits to the Sun.  These are Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. It is this close proximity to the Sun that allowed the the temperatures for the rock and metal to condense more...

The Outer Planets

The Outer Planets are the four planets  which have the furthest  orbits to the Sun.  These are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. They planets formed far out from the Sun warmth past the frost line, where  the low temperatures allowed ice condense more...

Lunar Eclipses

A Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, meaning that the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow. These can cause the Moon to go red, and are easy to observe with the naked eye more...

Solar Eclipses

Total Solar Eclipses are one of the most spectacular astronomical sights, with the moon perfectly obscuring the sun’s disc, a phenomenon unique in the solar system more...