AN January 2026

Also in this issue we have our exclusive report from the Square Kilometre Array. Astronomy Now‘s Steve Kelly found himself shadowing the G20 science ministers on a tour of this extraordinary discovery machine that is taking shape in the South African wilderness. His report explains the extraordinary science that the observatory will tackle, the difference it is making to the local communities and what it really feels like to stand in the shadow of one of the SKA’s dishes.

Can it really be 40 years since Voyager 2 flew past planet Uranus? Indeed it can. We talk to NASA’s Voyager Project Scientist Linda Spilker who was there in mission control in 1986. Back then, she was newly graduated and working on the mission’s infrared instrument. We hear her first hand memories of the historic flyby.

Did you find yourself with a new smartscope under the Christmas Tree? Then you need Stuart Atkinson’s essential guide to your first night under the stars with your new smartscope. In it, he guides you through your first half-dozen celestial targets to ensure that you get to know your new telescope’s abilities as soon as possible.

We’ve got our usual complete guide to January’s night skies including a rewarding lunar safari to crater-hop to the Moon’s south pole. The star of the show in January, however, is Jupiter. The Solar System’s largest planet is at its closest for the coming year, and will be brilliantly bright and well-placed for observation. Do not miss it!

Elsewhere, Colin Stuart asks the perplexing question, ‘What is gravity?’ It is one of them quintessential astronomical puzzles: the very force that shapes the Universe on its largest scales is the force of nature that remains the most mysterious to us.

We also have Astronomy Now‘s contributing consultant Allan Chapman recounting his visit to the remains of Tycho Brahe’s grand observatory Uraniborg.

In our equipment section, we review the Askar 80 ED, a refracting telescope aimed at the more budget end of the market.

And, of course, there are the usual regulars, columns, breaking news and stunning images.

Start 2026 the right way and order your copy of Astronomy Now‘s January issue!

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