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

Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 binoculars on a wooden table by a window

Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 binocular review

By Gemma Lavender published 26 September 23

Review Stylish, small and lightweight, the compact Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 offers limited — yet pleasing — views of planets, the moon and star fields.

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 Jase Parnell-Brookes published 16 January 23

Reference Learn how to observe and photograph comets as they near the sun. Get the best sights and images of these celestial encounters with our handy guide.

Expert holds one of the best binoculars while observing

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

By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated 25 November 23

Buying Guide The best binoculars for skywatching, nature observing, sports and more: These are the top models on the market.

Meade telescopes and binocular deals: Top discounts

By Gemma Lavender last updated 6 November 23

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

Sky-Watcher telescope deals available on the market

By Gemma Lavender last updated 30 October 23

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

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

Best telescopes 2023: For stargazing galaxies, nebulas and more

By Gemma Lavender last updated 27 November 23

Buying Guide The best telescopes on the market for exploring everything from the moon to deep space galaxies and nebulas.

Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope telescope

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

By Gemma Lavender last updated 27 October 23

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

Man using one of the best telescopes for beginners

Best telescopes for beginners 2023: top models for starters

By Gemma Lavender last updated 27 November 23

Buying Guide The best telescopes for beginners are user-friendly, easy to set up and have impressive optics — best suited for new astronomers.

Celestron telescope & binocular deals 2023

By Gemma Lavender last updated 25 October 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 14 November 23

Buying Guide The best telescopes for kids are compact, affordable and easy to use: Scope out the best models on the market.

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

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