EXPLAINER

Make more of the season of dark skies

The new astronomy season this autumn and winter has some lovely lesser-known targets

As we move into darker skies, the winter constellations hold a treasure trove of beautiful objects. Although we are often drawn to the more familiar targets (see Old favourites, opposite), it pays to seek out some lesser-known night-sky jewels that are just as rewarding.

First, two highlights of the year. Mars reaches