Articles by Gemma Lavender, Contributing expert

Gemma currently works for the European Space Agency on content, communications and outreach, and was formerly the content director of Space.com, Live Science, science and space magazines How It Works and All About Space, history magazines All About History and History of War as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) kids education brand Future Genius. She is the author of several books including "Quantum Physics in Minutes", "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Large Hadron Collider" and "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Milky Way". She holds a degree in physical sciences, a Master’s in astrophysics and a PhD in computational astrophysics. She was elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2011. Previously, she worked for Nature's journal, Scientific Reports, and created scientific industry reports for the Institute of Physics and the British Antarctic Survey. She has covered stories and features for publications such as Physics World, Astronomy Now and Astrobiology Magazine.

Articles by: Gemma Lavender

Front view of the olympus 8x25 wp ii binoculars

Olympus 8x25 WP II binocular review

By Gemma Lavender published 12 April 23

Review The portable Olympus 8x25 WP II boasts an excellent optical system for clear views of the moon and bright targets with superb contrast.

Man uses binoculars to look at the night sky as the sun sets and telescopes are on tripods around him

What equipment do you need to see and photograph the planets

By Gemma Lavender published 26 March 23

Reference How to achieve the very best views and images of the neighboring worlds in our solar system.

Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 binoculars review

By Gemma Lavender published 7 March 23

Review Though too small for serious skywatching, these compact binoculars provide pleasing night sky views for the casual stargazer.

Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 binoculars review

By Gemma Lavender published 4 March 23

Review The small, premium Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 binoculars offer wide-field, high-definition views of the stars that will have you feeling like you are floating in space.

How to view and photograph comets

By Jason Parnell-Brookes published 16 January 23

Reference As comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) nears the sun, get the best sights and images of this celestial encounter with our handy guide.

Jason Parnell-Brookes using one of the best binoculars for stargazing and birding at the top of a green grassy hill

Best binoculars 2023: Top picks for stargazing, wildlife, birding and more

By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated 3 May 23

Buying Guide Use the best binoculars in 2023 to observe the stars, birding, wildlife safari, sports, aviation and more, we've tested and reviewed them so you don't have to.

Meade telescopes and binocular deals: discounts & what's in stock

By Gemma Lavender last updated 10 May 23

Deals We're keeping our eyes peeled for Meade telescopes and binoculars deals.

Sky-Watcher telescope deals available right now

By Gemma Lavender last updated 10 May 23

DEALS We've found the best Sky-Watcher telescope deals for you.

Best telescopes for stargazing on white background

Best telescopes 2023: For stargazing galaxies, nebulas and more

By Gemma Lavender last updated 16 May 23

Buying Guide The best telescopes for seeing stars, galaxies, nebulas, planets and more — tabletop, astrophotography-friendly and computerized models for beginners and pros

Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope telescope

Orion telescopes and binocular deals 2023: Save big on Orion optics

By Gemma Lavender last updated 5 May 23

Deals Discover all the best Orion telescope and binoculars deals currently on the market with discounts from reputable retailers.

Man using one of the best telescopes for beginners

Best telescopes for beginners 2023: Bargain models to observe the cosmos

By Gemma Lavender last updated 10 May 23

Buying Guide The best beginner telescopes for new astronomers and astrophotographers — quick and easy setups and good optics at affordable prices.

Celestron telescope & binocular deals 2023

By Gemma Lavender last updated 25 May 23

Deals We've scoped out all the best Celestron telescope and binoculars deals on the market and put them in this handy guide.

A child using one of the best telescopes for kids outside while camping

Best telescopes for kids 2023: Astronomy for all the family

By Gemma Lavender last updated 10 May 23

Buying Guide We've tried and tested the best telescopes for kids, full of easy-to-operate scopes that young astronomers can use to create their own skywatching experience.

Telescope deal: Get $150 off the Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ at Walmart

By Gemma Lavender published 30 November 21

Featuring everything you need to get started in skywatching, this high-quality instrument is over 45% off at Walmart.

UPDATE: The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ telescope has been reduced by almost 27% for Black Friday

By Gemma Lavender last updated 27 November 21

Deals Now reduced from $299.95 at Walmart, you can save $69.96 on your next piece of smartphone app-enabled skywatching kit.

Celestron Inspire 80AZ telescope: Full review

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 7 November 22

Review The Celestron Inspire 80AZ proves to be a reliable starter instrument at a budget price that's furnished with a good selection of accessories

Celestron FirstScope 76: Full review

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 16 September 22

The fuss-free Celestron FirstScope 76 is an easy telescope to use, but expectations should be tailored when looking through the eyepiece

Celestron Astro Fi 130 telescope: Full review

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 7 November 22

Review Celestron's Astro Fi 130 combines good optics with the latest in telescope technology — but is it the right telescope for you?

Celestron PowerSeeker 80AZS telescope: Full review

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 17 June 21

If you have a low budget, the PowerSeeker 80AZS is an all-inclusive package for the casual skywatcher and offers clear views of bright solar system and deep-sky targets

Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope: Full review

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 7 November 22

Review The fuss-free Celestron NexStar 6SE is a high-quality telescope that offers clear and crisp views of a selection of solar system and deep-sky targets

The best deals on Vixen telescopes and binoculars

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine published 31 December 20

We check the best online retailers for discounts on a daily basis to find you the perfect offer on Vixen products — finding your next binoculars or telescope has never been easier

Get 12% off the Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope, now just $309.58

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 26 December 20

Tour the universe with the latest in telescope technology — and at a great discount

Celestron's AstroMaster LT 76AZ Telescope is now $111.59, 14% off the retail price

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 30 November 20

For a little over $100, you can get started in skywatching with a great-quality instrument

The Celestron Ambassador 80AZ Brass Telescope is now just $899 this holiday

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine published 30 November 20

Get 10% off one of the most unique telescopes on the market, a discount of over $100 at Amazon

Up to $840 off Celestron's NexStar Computerized Telescope, 41% discount at Adorama

By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated 29 November 20

One of Space.com's recommended computerized telescopes is on offer, starting at just $499

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