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Observations

Infographic: Astro Highlights in Autumn 2025

August 29 2025, Marcus Schenk

The nights are getting longer and the air is often clear: a good time to observe the sky. In autumn 2025, there will be special celestial events. Experience a total lunar eclipse, rare planetary conjunctions, or an occultation of the Pleiades.In the current infographic “Astro Highlights in Autumn 2025,” we have clearly compiled the most beautiful celestial events.Feel free to use the graphic on your website (with a link to www.astroshop.eu) and inform your visitors about the exciting upcoming events.

1.9. Venus meets the star cluster M44

On the morning of September 1, it is worth a look at the eastern sky: Venus is very close to the open star cluster M44, also known as Praesepe or the Beehive. The sight is already recognizable to the naked eye as a faint light spot right next to the prominent Venus. With binoculars, the stars of the cluster become clearly visible.

7.9. Total Lunar Eclipse

On the evening of September 7, a real highlight awaits you: a total lunar eclipse. For Central Europe, the timing is particularly favorable, as the moon rises already eclipsed. This means you will see the moon directly on the eastern horizon in the evening.

Times for Germany:

The eclipse begins even before moonrise, which occurs in Germany around 7:38 PM, depending on the location. At this point, the moon is in the midst of totality and appears noticeably reddish. It reaches maximum darkness around 7:30 PM, and the total phase ends at 8:53 PM.

For an unobstructed view, you should find a spot with a clear view to the east. Binoculars will show the lunar eclipse beautifully, but a telescope with a smartphone adapter is also great equipment for quickly capturing a photo.

8.9. Moon Meets Saturn

On the night of September 8th to 9th, the nearly full moon is near Saturn. Both objects are easy to find in the sky with the naked eye: the bright moon as a distinctive point and Saturn a little further away as a “star” that shines steadily.

This duo can be observed particularly beautifully through binoculars. You can recognize the planet as a small, yellowish disc – its rings appear as a thickening at low magnification. For many, this is a good opportunity to take out the telescope and examine the rings more clearly.

12.9. Moon covers Pleiades

On this night, our satellite covers the Seven Sisters, including all the bright main stars of the star cluster. It begins around 10 PM: The moon approaches from the eastern direction and first covers the star Electra. Then it continues to move – from its bright side – in front of the remaining companion stars. It’s best to observe all of this from an unobstructed location with a good horizon view. In addition to the interesting and quite rare occultation, it is the first harbinger of the winter sky, as the Pleiades officially belong to the constellation Taurus.

19.9. Venus meets Regulus

On the morning of September 19, it’s worth taking a look at the dawn sky. Venus is still the morning star and on this day is very close to the bright star Regulus in the constellation Leo. Nearby, you can also see the delicate crescent moon. Together, they create a beautiful trio in the sky.

If you are an early riser, this is your opportunity to capture the moment with your camera.

21.9. Saturn in Opposition

On September 21, Saturn is in opposition to the Sun. This means: Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and Saturn, and the ringed planet is visible all night long, reaching its greatest brightness. The special feature of the 2025 opposition: The rings are almost seen edge-on, making them hard to see and only about 2 degrees open. Even during twilight, the ringed planet rises above the eastern horizon and follows its apparent arc across the sky until dawn.

23.9. Neptune in Opposition

On September 23, Neptune reaches its opposition and stands favorably in the sky. This distant ice giant can be seen all night and appears in the telescope as a small, bluish disk.

Neptune is about magnitude 7.8, making it invisible to the naked eye. Binoculars show it as a faint point of light, but a telescope is needed for reliable identification. A star chart or app can help locate it in the constellation Aquarius.

2.10. Ceres in Opposition

On October 2, the dwarf planet Ceres reaches its opposition to the Sun. It is visible throughout the night and is particularly close to Earth. Ceres, with a brightness of 7.6 magnitude, can easily be found with binoculars or a small telescope. Ceres moves as an inconspicuous point of light through the constellation Cetus, but it is not visible to the naked eye. However, a simple pair of binoculars separates it from the fainter stars in its vicinity. Those who track its movement from night to night will recognize the typical motion of a planet against the backdrop of fixed stars.

5.10. Moon meets Saturn

On the evening of October 5th, the almost full moon passes by the ringed planet Saturn. Both are high in the sky and easily found with the naked eye. In a telescope, Saturn appears as a yellowish glowing disc. The narrow edge of the rings is only visible with a small aperture. Although the bright moon brightens the sky, it doesn’t matter for observing Saturn.

8.10. Draconids

The Draconids are a rather unknown meteor shower and reach their peak every year at the beginning of October. The name already reveals it: The meteors seem to come from the constellation Draco. This constellation is visible in the sky all night. The number of meteors varies greatly and always brings surprises. Normally, about ten meteors fall per hour, but in 2012, there were suddenly 400. What does that mean? It’s always worth taking a look at the sky, because perhaps a surprise is waiting. However, this year the moon will cause a brighter sky.

14.10. Moon meets Jupiter

In the second half of the night from October 13 to 14, the waning half moon meets the giant planet Jupiter. Both are in the constellation Gemini and are already conspicuous to the naked eye. You will see the moon as a bright half-circle and Jupiter as a shining point of light beside it.

19.10. Moon meets Venus

Early in the morning on October 19, the thin crescent moon is close to the bright Venus. Both can be seen well in the eastern sky. Together, they create a beautiful photographic motif.

22.10. Orionids

Meteor showers are a beautiful event for any enthusiastic stargazer, and the Orionids are no exception. Peaking from October 21 to 22, they promise about 25 to 30 meteors per hour. However, the number of shooting stars can vary from year to year. To catch the best view, set your alarm and look outside in the early morning hours. A must for all shooting star lovers.

2.11. Moon meets Saturn

On the evening of November 2, the Moon is near the planet Saturn. Both shine in the southeastern horizon already at dusk. The Moon is a prominent point of orientation, and Saturn is slightly to the west of it.

November: Saturn in Edge Position

In November 2025, Saturn’s rings will still be in edge position as seen from Earth. They will appear so narrow that they are hardly visible. This is a unique opportunity to observe Saturn without its ring system, even though the sight will be very unusual. Additionally, there will be two Titan transits in November. On November 6 and November 22, the moon Titan will pass across the gas giant.

9.11. Moon Meets Jupiter

On the night of November 9 to 10, the Moon moves past the planet Jupiter. The Moon appears as a large bright spot, and Jupiter looks like a very bright star.

A pair of binoculars or a telescope reveals even more details. On Jupiter, you can see two dark bands of clouds. Next to it are its four largest moons, arranged as small bright spots evenly spaced. The Moon also shows many craters, which are particularly visible along the terminator.

17.11. Leonid Meteor Shower

On the night of November 16 to 17, the Leonids reach their maximum, offering an impressive celestial event with up to 20 meteors per hour. This celestial event is a must for meteor fans.

The Leonids get their name from the constellation Leo, from which they appear to originate. The origin of this meteor shower lies in the comet Tempel-Tuttle, whose particles cause the meteor showers annually. Particularly noteworthy: every 33 years, the meteor stream condenses into a real meteor shower, producing far more than 20 meteors per hour – sometimes even up to several hundred per hour.

21.11. Uranus in Opposition

Uranus reaches its opposition. It shines with a brightness of 5.6 mag. Theoretically, you can see Uranus with the naked eye. In practice, however, it is better to use binoculars or a telescope. This way, you can clearly identify it.

To find Uranus, it is best to use a star map. Through a telescope, Uranus appears as a small, clear disc. It has a slightly greenish color.

25.11. Venus meets Mercury

On the morning of November 25th, Venus and Mercury will be close together at the southeast horizon. Both planets will be visible shortly before sunrise. Venus shines much brighter and thus helps with orientation. The observation is not easy, as it takes place very close to the horizon during dawn.

 

Total lunar eclipse 7.9.2025: Quick info for the event

August 27 2025, Marcus Schenk

Finally, the long wait is over! On September 7, our Moon will transform into a copper-red jewel in the evening sky. The best part: this time, you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night—the eclipse begins during prime family time.

Lunar eclipse shortly before the end

Lunar eclipse shortly before the end

The perfect timing for Moon fans

Normally, the sky has a rather nasty sense of humor. Beautiful events tend to happen at 3 a.m. This time, it’s making an exception! Starting at 7:38 p.m., the Moon will rise above the horizon as a copper ball. By then, the eclipse will already be in full swing.

The eclipse times at a glance (CEST):

6:27 p.m. – Start of the partial phase (below the horizon)

7:30 p.m. – Start of the total phase (below the horizon)

7:45 p.m. – Moonrise – now it begins

8:12 p.m. – Middle of the eclipse

8:53 p.m. – End of the total phase

9:57 p.m. – End of the partial phase

You have over an hour to enjoy this cosmic show.

The perfect viewing spot

During the eclipse, the Moon will be only 4° to 10° above the horizon. So choose a clear spot facing east. A hill, a meadow, or your top-floor balcony—anything where houses and trees don’t block your view.

Pro tip for photographers: The Moon’s low position is actually a gift. Your landscape shots with the red Moon will be absolutely atmospheric.

 

Part 2

Equipment for the lunar eclipse

After such a long wait, you’ll surely want more than just to look. Here’s your equipment list:

Binoculars

For beginners and all-round observers: The Omegon Blackstar 2.0 8×42 binoculars bring the Moon within arm’s reach. The 8x magnification shows every crater in crisp detail. You don’t need a tripod, and you’ll still get steady images.

Omegon Blackstar 8x42 binoculars

For wide-viewers: The Omegon Blackstar 2.0 10×50 brings you even more detail. With the larger aperture, you collect more light—perfect for future Milky Way trips or viewing open star clusters.

Omegon Blackstar 2.0 10x50

Stability boost: With the stable yet affordable Omegon Basic 250 tripod, you’ll get an even steadier image.

Telescopes

Beginners: The Omegon 90/1000 EQ-2 brings the Moon so close you’ll feel like you can touch it. The equatorial mount automatically tracks the Moon. Great fun for the whole family. The Moon and planets will become your new best friends.

Omegon Basic 90/1000 EQ-2 telescope

Dobson power: The Omegon Advanced X Dobson 150/1200 is your entry into the league of light-gathering telescopes. A 150 mm aperture means: the Moon, planets, and countless nebulae will be bright and clearly visible. As a new hobby astronomer, you’ll love the intuitive handling—just aim and go!

Omegon Dobson 152/1200

Smart telescopes

Into modern tech? Smart telescopes make astrophotography a breeze. Their apps even have special lunar eclipse modes. Perfect for tech-loving astrophotographers.

Smart Telescope Seestar S50

Smartphone photography

Want spontaneous snapshots directly through your telescope? The Omegon Easypic Universal Smartphone Adapter fits any 1.25″ eyepiece. Just attach your phone, focus, click, and you’re done.

For advanced users: Check out the camera adapters or special Moon and planet cameras. They’ll help you get the most out of your shots.

An experience to remember

Not until December 31, 2028 will we once again enjoy the next total lunar eclipse. That’s more than three years of waiting! Check your equipment now.

Perseids 2025: Nights of Shooting Stars in August

July 21 2025, Marcus Schenk

It’s that time of year again: The Perseids are coming! From the night of August 12th to the 13th, the famous summer shooting stars will once again reach their peak. There’s just one small drawback: this year, the bright, almost full moon will outshine many fainter meteors. Therefore, we need to focus our attention on the brighter ones.

Quick Tip: Lie down comfortably and look toward the east. You don’t need a telescope—just a dark sky, some patience, and perhaps a pair of binoculars.

Perfect for observing and photography:

With the Omegon 2.1×42 wide-field binoculars, you’ll spot more meteors than with the naked eye alone, while keeping things technically simple.

Want to photograph shooting stars? Then bring along a MiniTrack LX3 photo mount. It helps you create impressive astro-nightscapes.

For comfortable viewing, pack a camping chair, a warm blanket, and a thermos.

You’ll find more tips and background information in the magazine article “Successfully observing the Perseids: Here’s how” on Astroshop.

Sky highlight for early risers: The planetary parade in August 2025

July 21 2025, Marcus Schenk

Between August 15 and 31, the morning sky puts on its best show: Six planets line up in a row. A celestial highlight you shouldn’t miss. Especially great for beginners: four of them are visible to the naked eye, and the others can often be spotted with just binoculars or a small telescope.

Venus and Jupiter are competing in brightness. In mid-August, they appear close together, with their closest encounter happening on the 12th. Saturn shines with a steady golden-yellow glow, while Mercury is best seen around August 20. With binoculars, you can also spot Uranus and Neptune. If you have a telescope, you’ll be able to see even more detail.

The best time to observe: in the morning, about 1 to 1.5 hours before sunrise. With a bit of luck, you might also catch some shooting stars, as the Perseids are also active.
So grab your binoculars, align your telescope, and enjoy the spectacle while it’s visible in the sky.

Telescopes, a pair of binoculars or a star field viewer and other suitable accessories for your observation are of course available from us – feel free to browse through our products. Thanks to our fast shipping, in-stock items will arrive at your home within a few days.

Infographic: Astrohighlights Summer 2025

May 28 2025, Marcus Schenk

The summer of 2025 offers plenty of exciting highlights for skywatchers that shouldn’t be missed. Why? Simple: meteor showers, Mercury visible in the morning and evening skies, or even an occultation of the Pleiades. Whether with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope—there’s lots to discover once again. Here are the most beautiful astronomical events in June, July, and August.

June
June 1: Moon meets Mars

On the evening of June 1, the Moon positions itself between Mars and Regulus. The Moon is in its waxing phase, about six days old, and appears as a half-moon. The red planet Mars shines with a brightness of 1.2 mag, appearing as a distinctive reddish point in the sky. The two celestial bodies are about 4 degrees apart—a lovely constellation easily visible to the naked eye. Perfect for anyone wanting to say “hello” to the red planet again.

June 17: Mars meets Regulus

Mars and Regulus move closer together in the evening sky. The red Mars and the bluish main star of Leo form a striking color duo. Regulus, also known as Alpha Leonis, means “little king”—a fitting name for this bright star located right on the ecliptic. Because of this, it is frequently occulted by the Moon or planets.

June 23: Moon occults the Pleiades

A rare event: Early this morning, the Moon occults two stars of the Pleiades—Merope and Alcyone. Around 3:55 a.m. (CEST), Merope disappears behind the Moon, followed by Alcyone at 4:27 a.m. A clear view toward the northeastern horizon is essential. The Moon and Pleiades rise above the horizon starting at 3:30 a.m. After the occultation, the stars reappear on the far side of the Moon: Merope at 4:37 a.m., Alcyone at 4:59 a.m. By the end, it will already be quite bright outside—but still a great show for early birds.

June 27: Peak of the June Bootids

Today the June Bootid meteor shower reaches its peak. The number of meteors is variable and usually low—but still worth a look, especially since there have been years with surprisingly many shooting stars.

June 29: Saturn and Neptune close together

In the second half of the night, Saturn and Neptune come within just one degree of each other. This close encounter is ideal for a wide-angle eyepiece on a telescope or binoculars. A great opportunity to see both planets together in the same field of view.

June 29: Moon meets Mars

In the evening, a slender waxing crescent Moon stands just below Mars in the constellation Leo. Around 10 p.m., the Moon is about 17 degrees above the horizon. By then, it’s dark enough for good observation of the two celestial bodies.

July
July 5: The Golden Handle

Visible tonight: the “Golden Handle” on the Moon. This light phenomenon occurs when the rising Sun illuminates the mountain peaks of the Jura Mountains along the edge of Mare Imbrium, while the surrounding valley remains in darkness. The Moon is about 83 percent illuminated. A sight not to be missed.

July 16: Moon meets Saturn and Neptune

In the second half of the night, the Moon approaches the planets Saturn and Neptune to within about 3.5 degrees. A rewarding trio for large binoculars.

July 22: Moon meets Venus

Between yesterday and today, the Moon passed by bright Venus. Both are in the constellation Taurus. The fine crescent and the bright planet just above the horizon make for a great opportunity for a quick morning observation or a beautiful atmospheric photo.

July 23: Moon meets Jupiter

Just one day later (compared to the event on July 22), the Moon meets the giant planet Jupiter, currently in the constellation Gemini. The Moon is already 27.7 days old and thus very thin. To the delight of all deep-sky observers, it will become a new moon tomorrow.

July 25: Pluto in opposition

Pluto is in opposition today. The dwarf planet reaches a brightness of 14.4 mag—too faint for the naked eye, but photographically accessible with larger or smart telescopes. For visual observation, a finding chart is essential.

July 30: Peak of the Delta Aquariids

Watch for the Delta Aquariid meteors on July 30. These meteors appear in the region of the constellation Aquarius and reach a peak rate of 25 per hour. This year, the Moon won’t interfere much, as it sets early before the night really gets going. It’s a great time to pick a nice observation spot and prepare a hot tea.

August
August 12: Venus and Jupiter very close

In the morning sky, Venus and Jupiter are extremely close together today—less than 1 degree apart. That’s really rare! Venus shines at -4 mag, Jupiter at -1.9 mag. A fantastic sight that will impress you even with the naked eye.

August 12: Perseid meteor shower

The Perseids, as astronomers call them, streak abundantly across the sky this evening, and we watch the skies in anticipation. Perhaps we’ll spot some bright ones to enjoy especially. The media often promise a bombastic firework of 100 meteors per hour—a shower of shooting stars. That’s usually an exaggeration. But even without “hype,” the Perseids can be a sensual and fascinating experience for us. Unfortunately, the Moon’s bright light interferes this year, masking the fainter meteors. But no worries—there are still plenty of bright meteors waiting to be discovered.

August 19: Mercury at greatest western elongation

Speedy Mercury is at greatest western elongation today. This is now a good opportunity to spot it in the morning sky. The planet shines at -0.2 mag and is visible just above the eastern horizon shortly before sunrise.

August 20: Moon near Venus and Jupiter

An aesthetic trio: The ultra-thin crescent Moon (new moon is in three days) passes by Venus and Jupiter today. A wonderful subject for photographers.

August 21: Moon near Venus and Mercury

One day later, the Moon approaches Venus and Mercury. All three line up like pearls on a string above the eastern horizon. Tip: You’ll need an unobstructed view to the horizon to catch low-lying Mercury.

August 26: Asteroid Hebe in opposition

The asteroid Hebe is in opposition today, meaning it is directly opposite the Sun and optimally visible. Hebe is one of the brighter asteroids—a fascinating target with a telescope and finding chart.

 

Infographic: Astro Highlights in Spring 2025

March 5 2025, Marcus Schenk

Spring has arrived – bringing not just blossoming trees, but also a sky full of highlights! With a clear view up and a bit of planning, you can experience some stunning sights this Spring – even during the day. How about a partial Solar eclipse? Find out what else is going to be in store for you in our Astro Highlights for March, April, and May.

Do you have your own website and want to excite your visitors about the latest celestial events? Feel free to use our graphic – just include a link to www.astroshop.eu.

March 2025
March 1: Moon meets Venus and Mercury
In the early dusk you may witness a magical scene: The delicate crescent Moon – just illuminated by 4% – meets dazzling Venus and the elusive Mercury. Venus will shine brightly at -4.7 mag and is hard to be missed. Mercury, on the other hand, is low in the horizon, requiring an unobstructed westerly view. This conjunction is a fantastic kick-off event for the astronomical Spring.

March 9: Moon meets Mars
Tonight you can observe the red planet Mars close to the Moon. Mars with its characteristic reddish hue is currently crossing the Gemini constellation. Even with simple binoculars this encounter offers a beautiful sight. In addition, Mercury which reached its greatest eastern elongation yesterday, is particularly visible in the evening sky.

March 9: Golden Handle
Poetic, isn’t it? The Golden Handle is a striking lunar phenomenon visible in the late night of March 9th. It occurs when the rising Sun illuminates the edge of the Sinus Iridum crater, leaving surrounding areas in a shadow. This fascinating play of light and shadow on the Moon’s surface is a must-see.

March 14: Partial Lunar Eclipse
In the early morning hours there will be a partial lunar eclipse that is going to be visible only in its penumbral phase from Central Europe. The umbral phase begins at 6:09 AM CET, but by then the Moon will have already set. While this will limit its visibility, early risers may still find it worthwhile to behold.

March 20: Beginning of Spring
Astronomical Spring begins today. Day and night are nearly equal in length.

March 20: Moon occults π Sco
During these early morning hours the Moon approaches the star
π Sco, briefly eclipsing it from a view. Nearby the reddish Antares – Scorpio’s brightest star – shines brilliantly. This stellar occultation is going to be a thrilling event worth watching.

March 29: Partial Solar Eclipse
A partial solar eclipse is visible over Central Europe today, though with a relatively low coverage. The farther North you are, the greater the coverage. In London 24% of the Sun will be eclipsed; in Hamburg 20%; and in Munich about 10%. Eclipse times are as follows: Start at 11:20 AM CET, maximum at 12:10 PM CET, and end at 1:00 PM CET. Remember, only observe with suitable filters or special eclipse glasses!

April 2025
April 1: Moon meets Pleiades
In the evening the Moon will pair with the Pleiades, an open star cluster also known as the Seven Sisters. Only about one degree will then separate these celestial objects. The Pleiades are a cluster of young, hot stars visible to the naked eye. Their full beauty unfolds with binoculars or a telescope.

April 2: Moon meets Jupiter
Tonight the waxing Moon will approach Jupiter – the largest planet in our Solar system. You can already spot Jupiter’s four largest moons Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto as tiny points of light – even with binoculars.

April 5: Moon meets Mars
Mars and the Moon will both be high in the sky within the Gemini constellation during twighlight, easily to be spotted above Orion. Mars will shine at -1.5 mag, recognizable by its reddish glow.

April 22: Lyrid Meteor Shower
If you’ve never seen a meteor shower, then April 22nd is your chance to do so. The Lyrids are going to reach their peak today with up to 20 meteors per hour that may be visible. Originating from the comet Thatcher, these meteors are melting by the friction while falling through our Earth’s atmosphere, creating shooting stars. Overall conditions are going to be ideal this year, as the Moon won’t interfere.

April 25: Venus at maximum brightness
Venus will reach its peak brightness of -4.7 mag, resembling a spotlight in the sky. It’s going to be visible only during dawn, rising at 4:35 AM CET and staying above the horizon for about 1.5 hours before the Sun is going to take over. A slim crescent Moon joins Venus and dim Saturn at low latitudes on the horizon.

May 2025
May 1: Vesta at Opposition
The asteroid Vesta is at opposition to the Sun, making it particularly visible. Shining at a magnitude of 5.4, it’s bright enough to be seen with the naked eye under a dark sky. However, it appears star-like, so a finder chart or a GoTo telescope is recommended.

May 3: Moon meets M44 and Mars
The Moon crosses the ecliptic, occasionally approaching celestial objects like the open star cluster M44. Tonight you can admire M44 and Mars together through binoculars.

May 9: Venus meets Saturn

Venus and Saturn converge about 7° apart in the Eastern horizon today. In addition to this sight, the remote planet Neptune will be located between them. A rare chance to observe three planets in one field of view.

May 24: Moon meets Venus
A breathtaking display unfolds during dawn: The delicate crescent Moon, by 13% illuminated, will approach brilliant Venus.

May 28: Moon meets Jupiter
Clear skies reveal a slender crescent Moon meeting the gas giant Jupiter near the horizon.

We wish you many clear nights and delightful moments under the stars. Happy stargazing!

The partial solar eclipse 2025: Are you already equipped?

February 28 2025, Marcus Schenk

On 29 March 2025 the Moon slides in front of the sun. A partial Solar Eclipse is coming and you can witness it live.
In large parts of Europe – depending on your location – you will experience a coverage of the Solar disk (in Central Europe) of up to 25%.
Even though the Moon covers only a small part of the Sun, the event is fascinating. Don’t miss it!

When and where can you observe the eclipse?

The celestial show begins at 11:20 CET and reaches its maximum at 12:10 CET. The final phase ends at 13:00 CET. The further North you are located, the more spectacular this event will be: While up to 25% of the Sun will be covered in Sylt, in Hamburg you can observe 20% and in Munich about 10% of the obscuration.

Solar Eclipse Diagram

A Solar eclipse can only occur during a New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are near their nodes.

IMPORTANT: A Solar eclipse should NEVER be observed without proper protection.

With these products you can safely and comfortably observe the Solar eclipse:

1. For Beginners – Safe Viewing for Everyone:

Baader Solar Eclipse Sofi Viewing Glasses Solar Viewer AstroSolar® Omegon Telescope AC 70/400 Solar BackPack AZ Explore Scientific Solar Filter Film Solarix (DIN A4) Baader AstroSolar® Filter Film (20 x 29 cm)

2. For Telescope Owners:

Omegon solar filter in various sizes APM Herschel Wedge 2″ FastLock           Explore Scientific Sun Catcher Solar Filter

3. For Binocular Observers:

ASBF Filter from Baader Planetarium

4. Smart Telescopes for the Sun:

Smart Telescope Hestia Solar Pack Smart Telescope Hestia Ultimate Pack

 

Get active now
The remaining time until the Solar eclipse passes by faster than you think! So get your equipment in time to be optimally prepared. Do you have any questions about the appropriate equipment? Our team is happy to advise you.

Tip: Be sure to test your equipment before the big day. This way you can enjoy the Solar eclipse without any stress.

We wish you lots of fun!

Spectacular Planetary Parade: Six planets in a row

February 12 2025, Marcus Schenk

Have you already admired the planets in the sky? If not, then it’s about time! Right now there’s a rare cosmic spectacle to behold: Six planets of our solar system are almost aligned in a straight line. Such a constellation is not an everyday occurrence – and the next comparable one won’t happen until 2040. So, grab your telescopes!

When and where can you see the planets?

The best time for observation is between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM (CET).

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn shine brightly enough to be seen with the naked eye. However, for Uranus and Neptune, you’ll need a telescope or at least a good pair of binoculars.

These planets are in alignment

Venus

The brightest of them all, easy to find in the Southwest. It remains visible until mid-March.

Jupiter

After dusk our largest planet appears prominently in the Southern sky and is the brightest object after Venus and the Moon.

Mars

Recognizable as a distinct red point in the Southeast, Mars becomes increasingly brighter throughout the month, reaching a magnitude of zero by March 11. At that point it will be as bright as the brightest stars.

Saturn

Currently still visible, but it is sinking lower towards the Western horizon. As the days pass it dissipates more into the twilight glow. Our “Lord of the Rings” is best to be observed until the end of February.

Uranus & Neptune

Uranus (between Taurus and Aries) remains visible until mid of April, while Neptune (between Venus and Saturn) disappears by mid-February.

Telescopes, binoculars or a star field viewer , as well as other suitable accessories for your observations, are of course available at our shop. Feel free to browse our products! Thanks to our fast shipping, in-stock items will arrive at your home within just a few days.

 

Infographic: Astro Highlights in Winter 2024/2025

December 2 2024, Marcus Schenk

The winter 2024/2025 has plenty to offer in the night sky. For example two planetary oppositions and an occultation of Saturn by the Moon. That’s by no means all, however.

What celestial events should you absolutely not miss? Find out about all of this and more in our new infographic, which highlights the most spectacular celestial phenomena of the winter season.

Happy stargazing!

December

4 December: Moon meets Venus
In the evening of December 4, the sky offers a particularly brilliant spectacle. During twilight the crescent Moon and the radiant planet Venus come close together just above the Southwestern horizon. The Moon will appear as an ultra-thin crescent, as it will only be three days past New Moon. Venus will shine about 4.5 degrees above the Moon and is easily visible with the naked eye. This event provides a perfect opportunity for a picturesque photo, especially during the early stages of twilight.

7 December: Jupiter at Opposition
Starting in early December, Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System, will be in opposition to the Sun. This means it will be visible all night and can already be seen above the horizon during evening twilight. Jupiter is the brightest object in the night sky, besides our Moon and Venus. Compare its brightness to the brightest stars in the firmament: Jupiter outshines them all, making it a striking presence.

8 December: Moon meets Saturn
At nightfall of December 8 the Moon and Saturn will be high in the night sky. Both celestial bodies will be in the constellation of Aquarius, which is difficult to recognize due to its faint stars. Meanwhile, the bright planet Venus will glow in the Southwest.

14 December: Geminid Meteor Shower
During the night of December 14 the Geminids will reach their peak. This meteor shower appears to originate from the constellation of Gemini and is often regarded as the strongest one of the year. Its theoretical rate is around 120 meteors per hour, but in reality, fewer are visible. This year the full Moon will interfere, making only the brightest meteors visible. Still, it’s worth heading outside for the chance to catch a particularly bright meteor.

17 December: Moon meets Mars
On December 17 the waning Moon and the planet Mars will be about 5 degrees apart. The red planet and the faintly shimmering crescent Moon will create a fascinating sight together.

25 December: Moon meets Spica
In the early morning hours of December 25 the Moon will approach Spica, the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo. This constellation is typical for the spring sky and Spica will rise higher as winter progresses. A great reason to set your alarm a little earlier!

January

3 January: Moon meets Venus
In the early evening hours of January 3 we’ll witness another encounter between the thin crescent Moon and the planet Venus. Especially during twilight this celestial event emits sheer beauty. Those who look closely may also spot Saturn, which shines much fainter and lies above Venus.

4 January: Moon occults Saturn
On January 4 we’re in for a rare celestial event: The Moon will occult Saturn. At 6:34 PM CET Saturn will disappear behind the dark side of the Moon, as if someone has switched off a light. At 7:36 PM Saturn will re-appear on the other side of the Moon. Start observing a few minutes before Saturn disappears to fully experience the event. A must-see for Astronomy enthusiasts!

9 January: Golden Handle
On January 9 a special light phenomenon will appear on the Moon: The so-called “Golden Handle.” This isn’t an astronaut’s artifact, but a fascinating play of light. The phenomenon occurs when the Moon is 83% illuminated, about 10 days after New Moon. The rising Sun illuminates the mountain peaks of the Jura range, while the valley remains in darkness, creating the impression of a golden handle. Starting at around 5 PM CET it’s worth taking a look through a telescope to enjoy this unique spectacle.

13 January: Moon meets Mars
In the evening of January 13 the Moon and Mars will meet, shining together in the constellation of Gemini. The evening is a good time for an observation, but there’s an even better time: During the early morning hours. Why observe in the morning? Well, during the night the Moon will creep closer to Mars, approaching the red planet within just 0.2 degrees.

16 January: Mars at Opposition
On January 16 the planet Mars will be in opposition and visible high in the night sky all night long. The planet’s diameter will be about 14.5 arcseconds. Along with the bright stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation of Gemini Mars will form a prominent triangle. At a distance of 96 million kilometers, Mars is only five light minutes away from Earth – a great opportunity to observe the red planet through a telescope.

17 January: Saturn meets Venus
In the evening of January 17 Saturn and Venus will stand within about 2 degrees of each other. Not only is this constellation a visual delight, but it also allows for an easy comparison of the two planets’ brightness. Venus will shine 194 times brighter than Saturn. A wonderful reason to observe both planets during twilight.

February

1 February: Moon meets Saturn and Venus
This evening the slender waxing crescent Moon will slip between the planets Saturn and Venus. A striking sight – especially beautiful during twilight. This celestial event offers an excellent opportunity for a stunning photo: The crescent Moon framed by two planets – a true feast for the eyes.

6 February: Moon meets Jupiter and the Pleiades
On February 6, the Moon will move along the ecliptic and reach the famous open star cluster, the Pleiades. Also known as the “Seven Sisters,” the star cluster lies in the constellation Taurus and, together with the bright planet Jupiter, creates a magnificent celestial scene. As the Moon travels, it regularly passes through the so-called “Golden Gate of the Ecliptic,” whose pillars are the Pleiades and the Hyades star cluster. A stunning sight that showcases the Moon’s journey among stars and planets.

9 February: Moon meets Mars
On February 9 the Moon and the red planet Mars will come close again, just shy by 0.5 degrees. Visible in the evening hours, this close pairing is truly impressive. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity, as the distance between the two is incredibly small.

12 February: Moon meets Regulus
On February 12 the Moon will pass through the constellation of Leo and approach Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. Regulus is one of the brightest stars in the winter sky and, together with the Moon, gives us a preview of the spring constellations to come. Even though it might still be cold, the sky is hinting that spring is not far away.

17 February: Moon meets Spica
On February 17 the Moon will approach Spica, the brightest star in Virgo. Spica is one of the brightest spring stars and will still be fairly low on the horizon during the night of February 17. However as the night progresses, Spica will rise higher, making it an excellent opportunity to observe it alongside the glowing crescent Moon. A lovely chance to re-acquaint yourself with the spring constellations.

Infographic: Astro Highlights in Autumn 2024

September 1 2024, Marcus Schenk

From encounters with famous planets – thereof two oppositions – up to nights with beautiful meteor showers: The starry fall sky from September to November offers fascinating views for all stargazers.

In the current infographic “Astro Highlights in Autumn 2024” we have compiled the most beautiful of these celestial events.

You are welcome to use the graphic on our website (with a link to www.astroshop.eu) and inform your visitors about upcoming exciting events.

 

September:

8.9. Saturn in opposition

Saturn is in opposition to the Sun and reaches its best visibility. It can be seen all night long and shines with a brightness of 0.5 magnitudes. It is as bright as the brightest stars in the sky, but is easily recognizable by its yellowish color and steady glow. The ringed planet will reach its highest position – the meridian – only after midnight, making it particularly good to behold in telescopes. Its currently present narrow ring opening is striking, which will continue to diminish until Saturn reaches its edge-on position to Earth in March of next year. This however will not be visible to us because the ringed planet will then be in conjunction with the Sun.

17.9. Moon and Saturn

On September 17th, at 19:15 CEST, we expect a beautiful celestial spectacle: The rising full Moon meets the planet Saturn. The bright Moon and the comparatively weaker Saturn will appear in the evening sky about 5.5 degrees apart. Saturn, which was in opposition to the Sun on September 8th, remains well visible.

18.9. Partial Lunar Eclipse

During the night of September 18th we will experience a glimpse of Earth’s shadow: A partial lunar eclipse. Early birds can perceive the first shadow on the Moon at 4:12am CEST, approaching from the northwest. The maximum coverage of just under 10 percent will be reached around 4:45am CEST. The Moon will finally emerge completely from the Earth’s umbra at 5:18am CEST. Although this is just a minor eclipse, it is a must for all amateur astronomers – keep your telescopes and binoculars ready.

21.9. Neptune in Opposition

On September 21st Neptune reaches its opposition and shines with a brightness of 7.8 mag in the night sky. The planet is visible all night long and can be observed with both telescopes and binoculars. Neptune shows a distinct disc size and a characteristic color appearance in the eyepiece, that clearly distinguishes it from the surrounding stars. Definitely an exciting target for all amateur astronomers.

23.9. Moon meets Jupiter

Just after midnight on September 23rd we can observe the Moon and Jupiter in the constellation of Taurus. Both celestial bodies are about 6 degrees apart. At dawn they will gradually dissipate through the incoming sunlight.

25.9. Moon meets Mars

During the night of September 25th  we can once again observe an encounter between the Moon and Mars. The Moon begins its journey over the Eastern horizon, followed shortly by the Red Planet.

 

October:

5.10. Moon meets Venus

On October 5th you can observe an interesting celestial event on the western horizon: Venus as the evening star meets the crescent Moon. This encounter will be clearly visible in the evening.

9.10. Draconid Meteor Shower

The Draconid meteor shower peaks on October 9th. Meteors of this shower originate from the constellation of Draco, which is located above the Big Dipper. The activity of these shooting stars can vary greatly, so it is recommended to watch out for the Draconids also several days before and after October 9th.

14.10. Moon meets Saturn

In the evening of October 14th a beautiful conjunction between the Moon and Saturn will appear. Saturn, which was in opposition to the Sun last month, still remains visible all night long. During this time Saturn appears particularly bright and prominent, making it an impressive sight in the night sky. The proximity to the Moon enhances the visual impact and offers amateur astronomers a wonderful opportunity for observations.

21.10. Moon meets Jupiter

During this special night you will experience a close encounter between the Moon and Jupiter in the sky, only about 9.5 degrees apart. Both celestial bodies appear amidst a dense field of bright stars, including Capella, Aldebaran and Betelgeuse.

Capella, the brightest star in the constellation of Auriga, shines intensely and has fascinated observers for centuries. Aldebaran, the reddish giant in the constellation of Taurus, marks the prominent eye of the bull. Betelgeuse, a red supergiant in the constellation of Orion, is one of the largest and brightest known stars.

22.10. Orionid Meteor Shower

On October 22nd we expect a night of shooting stars: The Orionids will spawn about 25 to 30 meteors per hour across the night sky. However, their number can vary greatly from year to year. In order to have the best chances for a clear view, observers should use the early morning hours.

The Orionids originate from the famous Halley’s Comet. When Earth passes through the remnants of the comet’s tail, this annual celestial event occurs. The meteors seem to come from the constellation of Orion, which stands out in the southeastern sky during the morning hours. Unfortunately, the Moon will interfere with the observation this year.

A deck chair or a blanket can be helpful for comfortably looking up at the sky. Warm clothing and hot drinks provide additional comfort during an observation in these chilly morning hours.

24.10. Moon meets Mars

On October 24th there is the opportunity to follow the Moon and Mars almost horizontally side by side in the night sky. These two celestial bodies appear together for a short time, offering a picturesque spectacle.

Mars appears as a bright red dot, contrasting with the silver glow of the Moon’s surface. Together they move slowly across the sky and set as a tandem around 23:00pm CEST. Mars will become brighter and its disc diameter will steadily increase, until it reaches a size of 14 arcseconds during its opposition in January.

 

November:

5.11. Moon meets Venus

Venus is currently our evening star, but sets before 19:00pm CEST. On November 5th we can admire the slim crescent Moon together with the brightly shining Venus. The young crescent Moon is only four days old and thus only illuminated by 16 percent. A very aesthetic experience.

10.11. Moon meets Saturn

Saturn and the Moon appear together on November 10th at about 5 degrees apart in the constellation of Aquarius, offering a beautiful view in the night sky.

17.11. Uranus in Opposition

Uranus reaches its opposition and presents itself with a visual brightness of 5.6 mag. Theoretically it could be seen with the naked eye, but in practice it is recommended to use binoculars or a telescope for a clear view.

To locate it it is best to use a star chart to approach it. In the telescope Uranus then appears as a small, sharply outlined disc with a slightly greenish hue. This event offers you the best chance to observe the seventh planet of our solar system.

17.11. Moon meets Jupiter

Shortly after dusk we can see the Moon and Jupiter rise above the horizon. They are framed by the constellations Auriga and Taurus, which contain the bright stars Capella and Aldebaran. A little higher above we see the famous Pleiades star cluster.

17.11. Leonid Meteor Shower

In the night of November 16th to 17th the Leonids reach their peak, offering an impressive celestial event with up to 20 meteors per hour. This event is a must for meteor fans!

The Leonids owe their name to the constellation of Leo, from which they seem to originate. The true origin of this meteor shower lies in the comet Tempel-Tuttle and its particles cause these meteor showers every year. Particularly remarkable: Every 33 years, the meteor shower intensifies into a real meteor storm, producing far more than 20 meteors per hour – sometimes even up to several hundreds per hour!

20.11. Moon meets Mars

The last significant celestial event in November is the conjunction between the Moon and the planet Mars. During this night the Moon passes by the planet Mars and continues towards the constellation of Cancer near the beautiful M44 star cluster, which is also known as the “Beehive Cluster”.

For sky watchers this event offers an opportunity to see several objects simultaneously. The red planet Mars, the Moon and the prominent M44 star cluster, which you can easily spot already with a small pair of binoculars.