Jamie is an experienced science and travel journalist, stargazer and eclipse chaser who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, the Northern Lights, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com, author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners, co-author of The Eclipse Effect, and a senior contributor at Forbes.
Latest articles by Jamie Carter

Night sky tonight: See the celestial queen Cassiopeia shine high overhead on Jan. 29
By Jamie Carter last updated
Find out what you can see in the night sky for tonight, from planets and stars to dazzling meteor showers.

Why binoculars are best for beginner astronomers to stargaze
By Jamie Carter published
Here's why a pair of binoculars is your best option for stargazing as a beginner.

Best binoculars for kids 2026: Small and lightweight binoculars for children of any age
By Jamie Carter last updated
Buying Guide The best binoculars for kids provide closer views and are designed to be convenient for smaller hands and faces.

Total solar eclipse 2030: Everything you need to know about totality in southern Africa and southeast Australia
By Jamie Carter published
Reference The total solar eclipse on Nov. 25, 2030, will mainly cross the Indian Ocean, but views will be possible from Australia, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho.

Annular solar eclipse 2026: Everything you need to know about the 'ring of fire'
By Jamie Carter last updated
Reference The next annular solar eclipse will occur on Feb. 17, 2026.

Best monoculars in 2026 — lighter, smaller and cheaper than binoculars
By Jamie Carter last updated
Buying Guide The best monocular devices on the market offer a lightweight alternative to binoculars. Try using one this month to view the full moon.

2026 begins a golden age of solar eclipses: How to see 3 total solar eclipses and 3 'ring of fire' eclipses in 3 years
By Jamie Carter published
Earth is about to see three total solar eclipses in just under two years, with each successive path of totality moving west to east across the globe. Here's everything you need to know to plan an exquisite triple-header.

Will Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) be the 'great comet' of 2026?
By Jamie Carter published
In late April 2026, a long-period comet will swing through the inner solar system. It will likely be visible with binoculars, and there's a small chance it could be seen with the naked eye.

15 skywatching events you won't want to miss in 2026
By Jamie Carter published
Our 2026 skywatching guide includes a total solar eclipse, a "blood moon" and a festive supermoon. Here are the dates you need to know.

13 must-see moon events in 2026: Eclipses, supermoons, conjunctions and more
By Jamie Carter published
Here are the best lunar events to see in 2026, including eclipses, supermoons and conjunctions.

What should I look at with my new telescope?
By Jamie Carter published
From the moon and Jupiter to famous nebulae and galaxies, here’s your beginner-friendly guide to what to point your brand-new telescope at.

Best targets to observe between Christmas and New Year 2025
By Jamie Carter published
From a crescent moon and a 'Christmas Star' to deep sky delights, the wonders of the holiday night sky are yours to explore.

10 times the sky amazed us in 2025
By Jamie Carter published
A bevy of comets, a "blood moon" total lunar eclipse and impressive northern lights were just three of the skywatching highlights in 2025. Here's how they unfolded.

Night sky tonight: Catch the mighty hunter Orion shine in the southeast on Dec. 17
By Jamie Carter last updated
Find out what you can see in the night sky for tonight, from planets and stars to dazzling meteor showers.

How to see Saturn and Jupiter with a telescope
By Jamie Carter published
Here are the best telescopes to help you see Saturn’s rings and the cloud bands of Jupiter.

10 of the best things to see with your smart telescope in the winter night sky
By Jamie Carter published
You'll need more than a sense of adventure if you’re chasing aurora in freezing conditions.

What you need to buy to get ready for the 2026 total solar eclipse
By Jamie Carter published
These are my top recommendations to get you ready for the total solar eclipse next year.

I'm a northern lights-chasing expert and these are 10 things I think you need for your next expedition
By Jamie Carter published
You'll need more than a sense of adventure if you’re chasing aurora in freezing conditions.

Everything you need to go stargazing this winter and into 2026
By Jamie Carter published
The best gear to help you capture the Orion Nebula, see a close-up of a ‘Christmas Star’ and get the best from the night sky in 2026.

Best star projectors 2026: The top projectors and planetariums this year
By Jamie Carter last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best star projectors to enjoy a night sky experience from the comfort of your couch. They are often reduced, so keep your eyes open.

Total solar eclipse 2028: Everything you need to know about totality in Australia and New Zealand
By Jamie Carter published
Guide A total solar eclipse will sweep across Australia and New Zealand on July 22, 2028, bringing over five minutes of midday darkness.

Partial solar eclipse September 2025: Everything you need to know about the 'equinox' solar eclipse
By Jamie Carter last updated
Reference Some remote regions will experience a partial solar eclipse on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. The best places to see it will be in Antarctica and New Zealand.

March 2026 total lunar eclipse: Everything you need to know about the next 'blood moon'
By Jamie Carter published
A total lunar eclipse on March 3-4, 2026, will be visible in North America and will be the last total lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.

Total lunar eclipse 2025: Everything you need to know about today's blood moon
By Jamie Carter last updated
Reference The second total lunar eclipse of 2025 will be visible from Europe, Asia and western Australia on Sept. 7-8, 2025.

Most solar eclipse maps have a major flaw. Here's how to ensure you're really in the path of totality
By Jamie Carter published
Solar eclipse maps show crisp lines for the path of totality, but in reality, the edges of the path are fuzzy, jagged and sometimes wrong by hundreds of meters or more
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