In the shops
The latest books, apps, software, tech and accessories for space and astronomy fans alike
For fun NASA Moon Miner Game
Cost: £9.99 (approx. $13.75)
From: thumbsup.com
1 Do you think you have what it takes to mine the surface of the Moon while keeping your astronaut safe and making sure your opponents don’t receive a bigger haul of the lunar bounty than you? If so, this suspense strategy game is for you. The integrity of the lunar surface is compromised with every lunar rock you mine. Will you choose to play it safe and go for the non-integral pieces, or be a mining maverick and go for the structurally important pieces and hope that it’s your opponent that suffers the consequences of your risky behaviour? The game is suitable for two to four players ages five and up.
For observing Sky-Watcher 9x50 Right-Angled Erecting Finderscope
Cost: £75 (approx. $103.10)
From: firstlightoptics.com
2 This is the finderscope your neck and back have been looking for. The practical design not only permits a more comfortable viewing experience, but also provides an upright image with corrected leftright image orientation. The 50mm aperture results in a good light-gathering capacity, with a 45-degree field of view and crosshair reticle for aiding navigation. The quick-release finder-mounting bracket fits most standard finder shoes from brands such as Celestron, Sky-Watcher and Vixen.
For school, university or the office Space Age Pencil Case
Cost: £7.75 (approx. $11)
From: rexlondon.com
3 Keep your pens and pencils organised in this retro space age pencil case. Whether you need to keep your stationary safe for a trip to the Moon and back or are simply heading to school or the office, this case won’t let you down. It not only looks great, but is practical too, as the oilcloth design can be easily wiped down. Matching accessories such as coloured pencils and erasers are also available for a complete cosmic set. The pencil case is approximately 21 centimetres (8.2 inches) long, nine centimetres (3.5 inches) tall and six centimetres (2.3 inches) wide.
For your home Set of Four Moon Phase Marble Coasters
Cost: £29.50 (approx. $40.50)
From: oliverbonas.com
4 These charming marble coasters, embellished with a decorative, golden Moon phase design, are the perfect accessory to elevate your tableware. Each coaster features a different Moon phase in a brushed-brass finish that delicately compliments the marble base. The lunar coasters are ten centimetres (3.9 inches) wide and five centimetres (1.9 inches) tall. Due to the marble and brass nature of these coasters, they should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and are not suitable for the dishwasher.
For special occasions Oval Meteorite Cufflinks
Cost: £225 (approx. $309.50)
From: marthajackson.co.uk
5 Who wouldn’t want to own their own slice of a Muonionalusta meteorite that fell to Earth over a million years ago? These elegant cufflinks contain a valuable piece of natural history that has been preserved and transported in glaciers, only to be found years later in a remote region of northern Sweden. The iron-nickel meteorites are not only rare, but are also almost always buried in permafrost. Under Swedish law, a license must be obtained to allow for the excavation of the material, which also needs to be carried out by hand. These are some seriously stunning cufflinks, with a fascinating backstory to boot.
For bookworms Across the Airless Wilds
Cost: £22 / $28.99
From: Waterstones / amazon.com
6 From New York Times bestselling author Earl Swift is a remarkable tale of how the final three Apollo missions – Apollo 15, 16 and 17 – were the pinnacle of human exploration. Swift explores the engineering marvel of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, detailing how the buggy enabled extensive lunar exploration and discoveries. The informative and fascinating narrative shines a spotlight on these often-overlooked yet crucial missions and introduces you to some of the captivating characters who helped to make it all possible. Across the
Airless Wilds is a true celebration of human brilliance and technological advancement.
“These elegant cufflinks contain a valuable piece of natural history that has been preserved in glaciers”