AN February 2026

Also in this issue we have the second of our exclusive reports from South Africa.  Astronomy Now’s Publishing Manager Steve Kelly visits the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). With one eye cast towards its colonial past, and another set firmly on the future, the SAAO presents an inspiring vision of the future of ground-based astronomy.

We have an exclusive report from the United Nations, who met in December to bring together satellite operators and astronomers to discuss the pressing issue of how we protect our night skies for astronomy and their cultural heritage, while maintaining progress and the delivery of vital communications services across the entire planet. We speak to astronomers as the forefront of this difficult subject and discover that there is grounds for optimism.

Then, more pessimistically, we ask ‘How will the Sun die?’. It is a fascinating tale of astrophysical evolution, brought to life by Colin Stuart. And if you are fancying sone serious stargazing for yourself this year but do not fancy going oversees, Sara Dóbak details the best places to go in the UK for such adventures.

We’ve got our comprehensive guide to February’s night skies, and as much of the very latest astronomy news that we could possibly fit into the issue. Our interviews this month are with Allan Trow, who pioneered the highly successful organisation Dark Sky Wales, and we have an in-depth chat with artist Ione Parkin, who has curator a major exhibition of space-inspired art called Cosmos: the art of observing space at the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol.

In our equipment section, we review the TeSeek 14, a budget mount that performs better than its price-point would lead you to believe. Our equipment editor Steve Ringwood finds a clever way to tidy up the various eyepiece filters that astronomers accumulate. And, of course, there are the usual regulars, columns, and stunning images.

Do not let the February blues get to you. Order your copy of Astronomy Now‘s February issue today and let the wonder of the Universe fill you with awe!

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