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SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Inter view: A histor y of flying saucers Historian Greg Eghigian takes a factual look at global accounts reporting strange objects in the sky

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This month’s contributors

Nicky Fox NASA head of science

Pete Lawrence Astronomy exper t

Steve Tonkin Binocular astronomer

“I really enjoy being in and around space missions. The technology is really inspiring and when you hear about the science the missions are going to do, it’s just incredible.” NASA’s head of science talks about her role at the agency on page 18

“Been missing the planets? I know I have. But now they’re back and with some rare planetary events too. The remainder of 2024 is about to get very exciting!” Pete gives you the highlights ahead on page 28

“For this article I was guided by the question: ‘What are the tips and tricks that I wish I’d been given when I started out using binoculars?’” Read Steve’s expert advice on stargazing with binoculars on page 72

Download and print observing forms Keep track of your observations of the Sun and the planets through the eyepiece with our printable forms

The planets return in autumn 2024

Tables showing times and dates for the planets for the rest of the year, including conjunctions and occultations

The Vir tual Planetarium

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel guide us through the best sights to see in the night sky this month

September 2024 BBC Sk y at Night Magazine 5