2026 Guide to the Night Sky: A month-by-month guide to exploring the skies above Britain and Ireland

The ideal night sky gift for all amateur and experienced astronomers.

“This is a great guide to the night sky at a great price.” Astronomy Now

“A handy and straightforward guide.” British Astronomical Association's Journal

“An ideal Christmas stocking-filler.”The Observatory Magazine

The UK’s Number One Astronomy publisher presents the bestselling handbook to the planets, stars and constellations visible from the northern hemisphere. With 6 pages for each month covering January–December 2026.

Designed for Britain and Ireland but usable anywhere in the world between 40°N and 60°N, covering most of Europe, southern Canada and the northern United States.

This practical guide is your easy introduction to exploring the skies and a useful reference for seasoned stargazers.

∗ Easy-to-use star charts for each month with descriptions of objects and events to look out for in 2026.

∗ 16 additional pages of useful content.

∗ Charts for the circumpolar and seasonal constellations.

∗ Positions of the moon, visible planets, lunar and solar eclipses.

∗ Includes a section on comets and a detailed map of the moon.

∗ Advice on where to start looking and a map of dark sky sites to avoid light pollution.

∗ Now in three editions: Britain and Ireland; North America; Southern Hemisphere.

Written and illustrated by astronomical experts and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.