Tom Kerss

Tom Kerss

Contributing Writer

Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. is a London-based astronomer, astrophotographer, author and consultant. Having previously worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, he is the founder of Stargazing✦London, which delivers world-class online astronomy and space courses with subject experts. Tom is also the host of the Star Signs podcast, providing updates from the world of space news, as well as what to look out for in the night sky. With a background in astrophysics and science communication, he is an avid stargazer and aurora-chaser who is always looking for his next astronomy adventure. Tom has authored numerous best-selling astronomy books for both adults and children, including 2021’s Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras, which offers a complete introduction to nature's most magical skybound phenomenon. Find out more about Tom's projects and other books at stargazing.london 

Articles by: Tom Kerss

Woman with one of the best telescopes for deep space looking at the night sky

Best telescopes for deep space in 2023

By Tom Kerss last updated

Buying Guide The best telescopes for deep space will let you observe far-away galaxies, nebulas, star systems and more.

Man using one of the best telescopes for seeing planets set against a night sky

Best telescopes for seeing planets in 2023

By Tom Kerss last updated

Buying Guide The best telescopes for seeing planets — get the best views of Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and beyond with these scopes.

An artist's depiction of Jupiter as seen from the surface of its icy moon Europa.

Jupiter's icy moon Europa will block out a star for lucky skywatchers

By Tom Kerss published

Jupiter's moon Europa is set to obscure a star while being shadowed by its own host planet.

Woman looking over city with telescope at night

What equipment do you need for stargazing in a city?

By Tom Kerss published

Live in the city but love a dark sky? We have some tricks to help you enhance it's beauty despite the artificial light.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this sequence of the 2012 transit of Venus from space.

Venus crossed the sun's face 10 years ago. Most people alive will never see the sight again.

By Tom Kerss last updated

On the 10th anniversary of the last transit of Venus, find out what makes these events so special and what else to look out for during the long wait for the next one.

Buying a telescope is an investment that opens up the night sky. Here's when to look for the right one for you.

The best time to buy a telescope: Shop smart and save

By Tom Kerss published

Get the best price for your new telescope by shopping smart with these handy tips and discover the best time to buy a telescope

Get the biggest bang for your buck with these five money saving tips when buying a telescope

5 money-saving tips for buying a telescope

By Tom Kerss published

Get the biggest bang for your buck with these five money saving tips when buying a telescope

The night sky over a harbor, with stars visible

Can you see stars in light polluted skies?

By Tom Kerss published

Feature Light pollution is the enemy of astronomers, but it is possible to pick out some stars even in the largest cities

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