In the shops
The latest books, apps, software, tech and accessories for space and astronomy fans alike
For keeping warm ESA Patch Beanie
Cost: €22.90 (approx. £19.70 / $27.10)
From: esaspaceshop.com
1 A fitting beanie for space enthusiasts, it features the official European Space Agency patch worn by ESA astronauts. Made from 100 per cent acrylic, with a one-size-fits-all approach this beanie is designed with everyone in mind. The beanie is available in either royal blue or navy blue, and the patch includes the flags of 22 ESA Member States. The ESA patch was redesigned in 2020 to also include two Associate Members, Latvia and Slovenia, and one Cooperating State, Canada. It can keep your head warm while you’re out observing!
For easy night-sky navigation Stellarscope Star Finder
Cost: £35 (approx. $48)
From: shop.rnli.org
2 Never lose track of the stars again. Simply set the dials on the barrel to the hour and date required and view the stars and constellations that are available. The practical design allows you to view the computer-generated star map – about four centimetres (1.5 inches) in diameter – with one eye while observing the night sky with the other. The Stellarscope Star Finder is approximately 19 centimetres (7.5 inches) long and comes with latitude compensation rings as well as Northern and Southern Hemisphere star map inserts.
For long observing sessions Celestron Lithium 7.2 Ah LiFePO4 Powertank
Cost: £139 (approx. $191)
From: firstlightoptics.com
3 Scrambling around for batteries in the dark will be a thing of the past. Keep your devices powered with this sturdy outdoor charging solution, designed to be smaller, lighter, safer and easier to maintain compared to lithium-ion and sealed leadacid designs. With up to 2,000 charge cycles and a shelf life of up to ten years, the performance of this powertank is a cut above the rest. Features a telescope power output, two USB charging ports and has a charge time from flat of just three hours.
For gamers Surviving Mars
Cost: from £23.99 / $29.99
For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux 4 Do you think you have what it takes to build a colony on Mars? This single-player strategy game from Paradox Interactive and Haemimont Games is guaranteed to put your planning skills to the test. Where will you choose to settle? What resources do you have? How will you explore new horizons? This isn’t just about building a colony – it’s about survival. With ample expansion packs available, Surviving Mars continually challenges and entertains as you discover the countless mysterious sci-fi secrets Mars has to offer.
For your home Night Sky Underground Map Large Poster
Cost: £10 (approx. $13.75)
From: shop.rmg.co.uk
5 Fancy a commute of cosmic proportions? This quirky take on a Transport for London Tube map has been designed by the astronomy team at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Guaranteed to be the focus point of any room, this poster print will be a big hit with any astronomy or map-collecting fan. The poster is sold unframed and delivered in a poster tube. When laid flat it measures 70 by 50 centimetres (27.5 by 19.7 inches). The map is printed on 170gsm paper and has a matte finish.
For adults & kids Celestial Buddies
Cost: $21.99 (approx. £15.99)
From: celestialbuddies.com
6 Have you ever wanted to give the entire Solar System a great big hug? Now you can with these adorably squishy celestial buddies. Each member of the Solar System has been transformed into a unique character, from feisty Mars to our loyal Moon. Even Pluto and Charon haven’t been left out! Each buddy comes with its own little tag full of entertaining and interesting facts, making them both fun and educational. Pick your favourite planet or moon or collect the whole set so you can surround yourself with a soft Solar System.
“Each member of the Solar System has been transformed into a unique character”