In the shops
The latest books, apps, software, tech and accessories for space and astronomy fans alike
Our pick of the best books, apps, software and accessories for astronomy and space fans
App
Luminos 9.6.2
Cost: £7.99/$9.99
From: iTunes
Luminos has all of the workings of an excellent app, allowing you to point and scan as well as identify objects. The app does have some extras over other night-sky apps that many users will certainly appreciate. This includes a feature that allows you to mark targets as you find them in the night sky, also recording the date and allowing you to add some observer's notes.
Over other apps that we’ve used, there is a lot more in the way of objects – including asteroids and satellites – among others in the catalogue. A feature that we enjoyed in particular was being able to ‘hitch a ride’ on a satellite, which allows you to observe countries from orbit. You can also choose to observe from another world or object in the Solar System.
If you own a telescope or pair of binoculars, you can set the field of view, which makes star hopping and locating objects easy – a useful function that gets a massive thumbs up from us!
Book
Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2019
Cost: £25.00/$39.95
From: Royal Observatory Greenwich
Be captivated by 140 winning and shortlisted images from the 2019 Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. A showcase of the most spectacular space photography of its kind, the hardback book is adorned with breathtaking images taken from locations across the globe. Marvel at the wonders of the universe captured by the most talented astrophotographers, also on display at the National Maritime Museum now.
These awe-inspiring images were submitted in several categories: aurorae, skyscapes, people and space, our Sun, our Moon, planets, comets and asteroids, stars and nebulae, galaxies and a young competitor category, with each image accompanied with a caption that provides everything you need to know from the location, tips from the astrophotographer on capturing such a stunning shot and technical details.
Accessories Philip’s Moon Map
Cost: £6.99 (approx. $9.20)
From: Philip’s Astronomy
If you’re a keen lunar observer, then this beautifully illustrated Philip’s Moon Map is one of the most detailed lunar guides on the market. Over 500 craters, mares, mountain ranges, peaks, valleys and rilles are labelled, ensuring that you can plan and identify features during your observations of the nearside of our natural satellite with ease. Philip’s Moon Map is reasonably priced – especially if you’re keen to explore the lunar surface as closely as possible. It also includes details on the phases along with details on its orbit around our planet.
Using the map has its challenges – being so large, it catches even the slightest of breezes, making it difficult to use. We recommend pinning it down to a garden table using paperweights, which will allow for hands-free use. Additionally, being made of paper, it’s unable to withstand the elements sufficiently, which could lead to tearing and damage from moisture and general use. Under red light, the map can be read with ease – an important attribute for those wanting to use it during their observations without ruining their night vision.
Watch
Shepherd Watch
Cost: £500.00 (approx. $658.85)
From: Royal Observatory Greenwich
With a design that’s based on the world-famous 24-hour Shepherd Gate Clock – Britain’s time system, which was originally located at the gates of the Royal Observatory and meridian line and the first to show Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – this stunning timekeeper features an Italian leather watch strap, sapphire-coated mineral crystal face, mineral glass caseback window and wooden presentation box, silicon black strap, nylon strap, cloth and operating instructions.
The watch’s minute and second hands are conventional, while the hour hand makes one revolution round the dial once in 24 hours. At midday the minute hand points to the top, while the hour hand points down on a black-and-white dial etched in Roman numerals, set in a black stainless steel bezel with black crown. A stunning gift for a loved one or yourself.
“This stunning timekeeper features an Italian leather watch strap”