Let's begin this new monthly format of Cosmic Pursuits with a look at the comings and goings of the planets and other celestial sights in our regular tour of the night sky this month.  

 

For connoisseurs of the the night sky beyond the solar system, we begin a new series of columns called "Eyes on the Deep Sky". In this first instalment, you tour a handful of lovely sights scattered in and around the nearby galaxy known as the Small Magellanic Cloud. It's a favorite target for deep-southern stargazers as well as us northerners who hope to take our telescopes south one day. Tour the Small Magellanic Cloud here...

 

The best part of the Moon is usually along the terminator, the line that marks the location of lunar sunrise and sunset. Here, the Sun's light casts long and dramatic shadows that brings the Moon's features into stark relief. This month, let's explore the area around the grand and ancient crater Plato, the lunar Alpine Valley, and the surrounding mountains. You can see these sights with any small telescope. Read more here... 

 

There are a dizzying array of eyepieces available to amateur astronomers. To help you sort out how eyepieces work and to help you choose a couple of good ones for your telescope, I created this detailed guide. Read it at this link...