AN April 2026

Elsewhere in the issue we have a report on the recently discovered comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS). Part of a comet that fragmented in 371BC, this piece is now heading towards a very close encounter with the Sun. We look at the history of these comet fragments, called the Kreutz family, and assess whether the latest member will put on a show to remember.

We’re all familiar with the concept of alien life being little green men, but what if it is actually just little and green. A fascinating study into the properties of moss raises the possibility that it may be an excellent candidate for life on other worlds. Elizabeth Howell has the story.

Equipment Editor Steve Ringwood presents an Astrogear special, featuring all the very latest equipment to be presented at the European Astrofest conference, and we’ve got full review of the Askar FRA400C Astrograph, a hybrid between a refracting telescope and a premium photographic lens.

The news section is absolutely jam packed with mind-blowing stories this month. Everything from exploding black holes to the Milky Way’s inner core, from giant planetary ring systems to new ways to measure the expansion of the Universe, and so much more. In the centre of the magazine is our Night Sky section; Mark Armstrong and our experts take their usual comprehensive look at the April’s celestial wonders.

As if that were not enough, this month’s Ask an Astronomer is too fascinating to be confined to a single page. Edward Herrick-Gleason answer the question: did the Big Bang create two universes – our one and a twin that moves backwards in time? Amazingly, it is not as crazy as it sounds. Plus there are the usual regulars, columns, and stunning images for our readers. And much more…

Grab your copy of Astronomy Now‘s April issue today!

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