Welcome

If you've ever wanted to get into astronomy – also known as stargazing, as some of our readers like to call it – then this is the issue for you.

From selecting the ideal observing site to the best targets to spot whether you're using binoculars, a telescope or the unaided eye, we've got everything you need to ensure you're armed with the right advice when it comes to exploring the heavens. Turn to page 62 for your complete guide.

For those who just can't get enough of the longer, darker hours, our observing section continues with our usual full palette of nakedeye and deep-sky objects, Moon tour, planet guide, Northern Hemisphere map and astronomical calendar through September to October 2020.

If the weather in your part of the world has taken a turn for the worse over the past few weeks after the glorious run of warmer, clearer nights, then we've still got plenty to keep you entertained this issue: my personal highlights are our special reports on whether life came from comets over on page 44 and what cosmic dust can teach us about our very own planet on page 34.

Our cover feature is sure to inspire too, as we return to Planet Nine.

Have we got our wires crossed in determining its true identity? Some experts think we have, suggesting that a black hole could be lurking at the Solar System's edge, masquerading as a distant world…