THE SMART ASTRONOMER

Three years after the original Seestar S50 changed the game for beginner astrophotography, ZWO has unveiled its successor. Officially launched on 25 August 2026, the Seestar S50 Pro doesn't just tweak the formula — it rebuilds much of the imaging system from the ground up while keeping the same compact, all-in-one philosophy that made the original so popular.Let's break down what's actually changed, and whether it's worth your attention. Credit: ZWO/Seestar The Optics: Same A

Totality seen from an Irish Air Corps C295 over the Atlantic. The aircraft flew approximately 540 km west of Ireland to intercept the Moon's shadow and observe the total solar eclipse. Credit: ESA – R. Moorkens O'Reilly. On 12 August 2026, millions of people across Europe looked towards the Sun as the Moon passed directly between Earth and our star. For observers within the narrow path of totality, this was far more than an impressive partial eclipse. For a few extraordinary

August 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months for astronomy in years. A total solar eclipse, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, brilliant Venus and a deep partial lunar eclipse are all packed into the same few weeks. For sky watchers, the headline date is 12 August, when a total solar eclipse coincides with the New Moon. Just hours later, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its annual peak beneath exceptionally dark skies. Later in the month, Venus puts on