A cosmic detective story

A cold-war nuclear treaty sparked a fascinating search for the source of gamma-ray bursts.

Skywatch; neighbourhood watch

Astronomy can help catch criminals - so could we see a big bang-up?

The universe on your desktop

Don't just stare blankly into space - use our guide to the constellations. Launch your virtual planisphere.

Stargazing

Paul Nurse talks about his love of the stars and his passion for astronomy.

A to Z of the universe

Know your white dwarves from your red giants? Reach for the skies, and our astronomy glossary.

Small steps

Finding your way around the rich resources for space and astronomy on the internet can be almost as tricky as plotting a course for the stars themselves. We've chosen some of the best general weblinks.

Sky watching without sky-high prices

Astronomy can be a cheap hobby - you don't need expensive equipment. Our experts share their hints for stargazing on a budget.

The edge of the universe

Astronomers reveal how they go hunting for black holes, exploding stars and other feats of extreme astronomy.