Gemma Lavender
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.
Latest articles by Gemma Lavender
![Orion StarBlast 6i IntelliScope telescope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/imCj4MdQc8hzfGg2QEuFZe-320-80.jpg)
Orion telescopes and binocular deals 2024: Save big on Orion optics
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals Here are the best Orion telescopes and binoculars deals on the market as well as our favorites displayed with their lowest prices.
![A child using one of the best telescopes for kids outside while camping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dLuq8JX3XTcUaEXZLAaaHG-320-80.jpg)
Best telescopes for kids 2024: Top picks for young skywatchers
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Buying Guide We've rounded up the best telescopes for kids to help give young astronomers a taste for stargazing, with models to suit all different ages.
![Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 SynScan GoTo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PuFsejdBeAFZhtAwDB2Qb4-320-80.jpg)
Sky-Watcher telescope deals 2024
By Gemma Lavender last updated
DEALS We've found the best Sky-Watcher telescope deals for you.
![Celestron telescope – Astro Fi 102](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YRjNAmDB5GBBu9F9LWLnQo-320-80.jpg)
Celestron telescope & binocular deals 2024
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals We've scoped out all the best Celestron telescope and binoculars deals on the market and put them in this handy guide.
![Expert holds one of the best binoculars while observing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jXHtQPfMU2f6iBYisxHJhD-320-80.jpg)
Best binoculars 2024: Top picks for stargazing, wildlife, birding and more
By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated
Buying Guide The best binoculars are the perfect companion for bird watching, sports spectating or even stargazing. We've rounded up the top picks on the market.
![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](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZYuMMSqF6Se9vqPZVTm7Yg-320-80.jpg)
Best telescopes 2024: For stargazing galaxies, nebulas and more
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Buying Guide Our guide to the best telescopes that are suited to a range of different purposes and budgets — from beginner to smart telescopes and everything in between.
![Man using one of the best telescopes for beginners](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5CoQM4aBSVrAxHU7UcXx4j-320-80.jpg)
Best telescopes for beginners 2024: Bargain models to observe the cosmos
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Buying Guide We've rounded up the best telescopes for beginners in the field of astronomy: easy to set up, straightforward to use, and options for a range of budgets.
![Meade StarNavigator NG 114](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8bT7ZCQw6TciQxoVCokQcN-320-80.jpg)
Meade telescopes and binocular deals 2024
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals We're keeping our eyes peeled for Meade telescopes and binoculars deals.
![McNaught's comet over lake](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2bcYhZkscEGx3Cwaw4BQWd-320-80.jpg)
How to view and photograph comets
By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated
Reference Comets are among the most exciting subjects to photograph in the night sky. Our handy guide will help you find them and capture the best images.
![Binoculars lined up with a christmas holiday gift guide badge on a yellow background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2MLbLYG2YGuys2Rc89zrgC-320-80.jpg)
Binoculars Christmas gift guide 2024
By Gemma Lavender published
Gift guide If you’re looking for the best binoculars to give as a last-minute gift this holiday season we've rounded up a fool-proof guide to the best models whether they’re a beginner or more advanced observer.
![The best telescopes in a Christmas holiday gift guide on blue background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mZ4fxGaRAZVLKej6MZBJjX-320-80.jpg)
Telescopes Christmas gift guide 2024: Best for all budgets
By Gemma Lavender published
Gift guide Searching for the best telescope to gift to the astronomer in your life this holiday season? Whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned astronomer, we have options for all budgets.
![Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 binoculars on a wooden table by a window](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Vak78eE7XwjMp4cir766sW-320-80.jpg)
Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 binocular review
By Gemma Lavender published
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](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FmgpaCUZqmVzXbULsYn8Fn-320-80.jpg)
Olympus 8x25 WP II binocular review
By Gemma Lavender published
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](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZYuMMSqF6Se9vqPZVTm7Yg-320-80.jpg)
What equipment do you need to see and photograph the planets
By Gemma Lavender published
Reference How to achieve the very best views and images of the neighboring worlds in our solar system.
![Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 binoculars review photo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RDyUvfeZ5vu4HLE4uthifE-320-80.jpg)
Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 binoculars review
By Gemma Lavender published
Review Though too small for serious skywatching, these compact binoculars provide pleasing night sky views for the casual stargazer.
![Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dyH9Na6NNbp6G2hjhkWyaL-320-80.jpg)
Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 binoculars review
By Gemma Lavender published
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.
![Celestron Inspire 80AZ tube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Lz98zd9GsoqLZjeVUsGMij-320-80.jpg)
Celestron Inspire 80AZ telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
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 Astro Fi 130](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JwGAfLsw5FBLQuPZ5w4hhj-320-80.jpg)
Celestron Astro Fi 130 telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
Review Celestron's Astro Fi 130 combines good optics with the latest in telescope technology — but is it the right telescope for you?
![Celestron NexStar 6SE](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XJbsqpzSWFYMjg6MJnQfQ-320-80.jpeg)
Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
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
![Celestron FirstScope 76 Telescope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5yPRmZLGZCfqy6S9NuQDi4-320-80.jpg)
Celestron FirstScope 76: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
The fuss-free Celestron FirstScope 76 is an easy telescope to use, but expectations should be tailored when looking through the eyepiece
![Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ telescope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Lw2mLMboHcwNJGZyM6aiyb-320-80.jpeg)
Telescope deal: Get $150 off the Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ at Walmart
By Gemma Lavender published
Featuring everything you need to get started in skywatching, this high-quality instrument is over 45% off at Walmart.
![Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QCekrDXrXh9cehESCdboQQ-320-80.jpeg)
UPDATE: The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ telescope has been reduced by almost 27% for Black Friday
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals Now reduced from $299.95 at Walmart, you can save $69.96 on your next piece of smartphone app-enabled skywatching kit.
![Celestron Ambassador 80AZ's tube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eYQ5Z29ngjmACA5HJv6Dui-320-80.jpg)
Celestron Ambassador 80AZ telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
The optics of the Celestron Ambassador 80AZ are of good quality, promoting a high level of clarity and contrast. Easy to set up, the refractor exudes an unusual yet superior craftmanship
![Celestron Cosmos 90 GT tube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RerfSuJQyEYYiYw9wJZ5Hb-320-80.jpg)
Celestron Cosmos 90 GT WiFi telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
With good optics that offer views of solar system and bright deep-sky targets, the Celestron Cosmos 90 GT is easy to set up and operate, with only a few minor niggles
![Celestron Omni XLT 120 tube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i5xNeHtGGC6ww97n4HCC3P-320-80.jpg)
Celestron Omni XLT 120 telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
With its high-quality finish, the Celestron Omni XLT 120 boasts a professional mount that provides a smooth tour of the night sky, while its optical system offers stunning views of the solar system