Useful Links

Weather Forecasts

Although we treat all weather forecasts with caution, these ones tend to be the most reliable:

• Clear Outside - Astronomy Forecast The latest weather forecast for astronomers in Rainham, Kent, United Kingdom (51.36, 0.60).
• Met Office - Cloud Cover Check how much cloud cover we can expect in Rainham, Kent.
• BBC Weather 14-day weather forecast for Gillingham, ME8.

Planning Observations

• Stellarium Web A free online planetarium that runs in your web browser.
• Time and Date - Night Sky Map See what's visible in the sky tonight, including the Moon, planets, constellations, stars, and comets.
• Moon Phases Calendar Check the current phase of the Moon and the date of the next full moon and new moon.

Jupiter Observations

• Position of Jupiter's Moons View a diagram showing the positions of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, basic data about Jupiter for telescopic observers, and times of upcoming transits and shadow transits.
• Transit times of Jupiter's GRS A handy calculator to predict the times when the center of the Great Red Spot will cross Jupiter's central meridian. The GRS is well placed for viewing 50 mins before and after its transit times.

Mars Observations

• MarsMap from Shallow Sky MarsMap shows the major features visible on Mars at any given time.
• Mars Globe - Discover Mars in 3D An interactive 3D model of Mars showing the current day/night and surface details facing Earth.

Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights were visible across the UK (including Rainham) in May and October 2024. Learn more about the aurora borealis and check the current status of the aurora by following these links:

• AuroraWatch UK View the current geomagnetic activity data and check if the aurora might be visible from the UK.
• Aurorasaurus Track aurora sightings around the world as reported by citizen scientists.
• Met Office (Auroras) About the auroras: what are they and when you might be able to see them.

Satellite Spotting

• ISS Live Tracking See the current position, altitude, and speed of the International Space Station.
• Space Station 10-day Predictions Find out if the ISS will pass overhead at your location soon.
• SpaceX Starlink Satellite Tracker Check when you might be able to see the Starlink satellite chain from our location in Rainham, Kent (51.36° North, 0.6° East).

YouTube Channels

• BBC Sky at Night Magazine Monthly guide showing you what you can see in the night sky.
• Learn the Sky How to find the constellations in the night sky and tips for stargazing.
• Royal Astronomical Society Educational videos and the latest UK astronomy news from the RAS.
• Late Night Astronomy Advice and equipment guide for newcomers to the hobby of amateur astronomy.

Astronomy for Kids

• NASA Kids' Club Children can play games designed to help them learn about space science and NASA's missions.