Meanwhile on FACEBOOK…

WE ASKED: What was your biggest astronomical achievement in 2017?

Danny Sdso

Finding my favourite galaxy M51 the Whirlpool Galaxy for the first time (non Go-To mount) I love the thrill anytime I find a new DSO for the first time.

Andy Hearns

Managing to photograph the eclipse from Carbondale Illinois.

Al Higgs

Green fireball during the Perseid meteor shower this year.

Brendan Scoular

Seeing the total solar eclipse just north of Riverton, Wyoming. For 2017 this wins hands down!

Gordon Hogan

Getting a close up shot of the ISS for the first time. Couldn’t get the smile off my face for a month!

Nikki Young

Capturing Space X’s rocket boosters falling away on camera as it roared over the UK, 3rd June this year, some 30 minutes after launching in the US.

Gerard Mooney

Watching an eclipse on another planet for the first time (and actually managing to capture the event with my phone’s camera!) Jupiter in April.

Paul Scott

Travelling to La Palma, Canary Islands. Driving in foreign country. Tracking up the side of a mountain in the dark to capture the Milky Way.