AN March 2026

Elsewhere in the issue we have the sad duty to report on the passing of Allan Chapman, a great historian of astronomy and a beloved Astronomy Now consultant. We have a beautiful tribute to Allan, written by Roger Hutchins of the Society for the History of Astronomy, an organisation that Allan helped to establish. We also have Allan’s last article for us, a richly detailed tour of the observatories of North America that were established in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Many of us have been captivated by the interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS, which has been widely touted as the third interstellar comet to pass through our Solar System. But what if there have been more that we simply have not recognised? Our comet expert, Neil Norman, looks at the evidence that some other comets may also have been from other stars. And Elizabeth Howell brings us completely up to date on what we have learnt scientifically from 3I/ATLAS.

Our columnist Colin Stuart asks the perennial question, what is dark matter? He finds that the answer is so difficult to pin down that maybe – just maybe – astronomers are starting to take seriously the idea that dark matter does not exist after all.

Of course, what issue of Astronomy Now, would be complete without our detailed run down of what to see in the night sky for March? We have everything you need to go stargazing in March in our comprehensive Night Sky section. We also have further advice and reviews for all you would-be or experienced star watchers. Firstly, we have got the perfect pieces of kit for every budget, written by Ninian Boyle. If you are thinking of setting up your telescope at a remote observing site to guarantee clear skies, Lillian Hobbs runs us through her experiences at Storefront Observatory, Texas.  

Our equipment editor Steve Ringwood really gets to grips with a revolutionary kind of eyepiece called the Pegasus SmartEye in our in-depth review. He then gives his run down of other new gear to look out for too. We have our recommendation of the best books this month. And there are the usual regulars, columns, and stunning images for our readers. And much more…

So, say hello to spring by ordering your copy of Astronomy Now‘s March issue today, There is a Universe of excitement and mind-expanding wonder waiting for you inside!

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