astronomy

11 essential words for aspiring astronomers

Star light, star bright, will you be searching the skies tonight? Whether you’re trying to spot the latest celestial event or you’re a dedicated stargazer, there’s a whole galaxy out there if you just look up. We’ve compiled a blog of essential words for aspiring astronomers, let us know @CollinsDict… Read More

Remember, remember, the 11th November: the Transit of Mercury

On November 11 there is a transit of Mercury, when, as viewed from Earth, Mercury passes across the face of the Sun. (Almost needless to say, but never view the Sun directly, either with the naked eye or with any form of optical instrument. Always use a proper… Read More

The Apollo 11 Moon Landing – 50 years of lunar language

To mark the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s ‘small step’ on 20th July 1969, we’ve been exploring lunar language. Look up the words below to find out more about all things moon-related so that you have the vocabulary that you need to join the conversation around this momentous day. Read More

Our relationship with the Moon

Our close relationship with the Moon spans the whole of human history, across all times and cultures. For thousands of years it was a distant light in the sky, remote and unattainable in all but the wildest dreams. In July 1969, it became a tangible place when humankind first stepped… Read More

Moon Facts

The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. It is the second brightest object in the sky after the Sun. It is the only object, other than Earth, to have been stepped on by human beings. You can clearly see, particularly with binoculars, many dark patches on the Moon’s surface. Ancient… Read More

Shining moonlight on our language

From the moment that we enter the world as moon-faced babes, the moon is an ever-present force in our lives. Looking up at the night sky puts our day-to-day world into perspective; something that generations of humans have experienced. Seen from afar, the moon can seem completely unobtainable. If… Read More

From the Collins Archive – Times Atlas of the Moon

On 20th July 1969, history was made when astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, proclaiming the now immortal phrase, ‘That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,’ while doing so. With the 50th anniversary of this momentous historic event… Read More

#MeteorWatchDay – We delve into etymology behind this astronomical event

June 30 this year has been designated Meteor Watch Day, and people are encouraged to look out for spectacular bursts of light in the sky caused by small pieces of rock or metal burning up when they enter the earth’s atmosphere from space. These objects get their name from… Read More

It’s Written in the Stars: Explore the Universe in 20 Words

Stargazers everywhere looked to the skies during the early hours of Monday 28th September to catch the Total Lunar Eclipse, as the moon passed completely through the Earth’s dark shadow and became a blood red colour. To celebrate this beautiful phenomenon, and the publication of his 2016… Read More