Tom Urbain

Tom Urbain

About Author

Tom Urbain is an amateur astronomer, astrophotographer, and the original founder of Starlust.org, a space-focused website he launched in 2019 with one simple goal: to make the night sky feel less intimidating and more accessible to everyone. With no formal background in astronomy, Tom taught himself everything from telescope optics to lunar photography - a journey that began as a personal hobby and grew into a widely read online resource for stargazers around the world.
Driven by curiosity and a deep love for space, Tom spent years researching and creating hands-on guides for beginners, testing gear in his backyard in Manchester, and sharing monthly night-sky highlights to help readers reconnect with the cosmos. His approachable writing style and practical advice quickly earned him a loyal audience, many of whom were discovering astronomy for the first time.
In addition to his work with Starlust, Tom also founded Card Codex, a platform dedicated to collectible card games.
When he’s not out chasing meteor showers or photographing the Moon through his telescope, Tom can often be found speaking on podcasts, contributing to astronomy communities, and advocating for dark-sky preservation. He currently lives in Manchester, UK, where despite the glow of city lights, he still manages to find wonder in the stars.

Can astronauts smoke in space?

Astronauts are strictly forbidden from smoking on board the Space Shuttle or ISS, and there are several reasons for this.
Updated: Mar 25, 2024

what are stars made of?

Stars are the fundamental building blocks of the universe and are responsible for creating most of the elements. What are they made of?
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

Can you use a telescope during the day?

Telescopes are often thought of as tools only made for stargazing at night, but daytime observings can be just as rewarding.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024

What is the closest planet to the Sun?

Let's take a closer look at the closest planet to the Sun. And as you might expect, it is one of the hottest places in our solar system.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

Which planets can you see without a telescope?

Planets are a popular observing target among amateur astronomers. Contrary to popular belief, telescopes are not always required to observe them.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024

How long does it take to get to the ISS from Earth?

Let's take a look at how long it takes to travel to the Internal Space Station from Earth, as well as all of the intricacies involved in such a difficult journey.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Fun Facts About Astronauts

Over the last few decades, only a few people have had the chance to go into space. Here are some facts about astronauts that may amaze you!
Updated: Mar 27, 2024

How hot is the Sun?

We all know of the Sun, that bulky mass of light and heat. But how exactly does the sun produce heat? And just how hot is it?
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

Centaurus Constellation

Centaurus is a southern constellation composed of 17 stars that form the shape of the centaur: a mythical creature half man, half horse.
Updated: Jun 20, 2024

The biggest stars in the universe

Our Sun is not a particularly large star. In fact, the universe is home to many celestial behemoths. Let's take a look at some of the largest known stars.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

Why is Venus hotter than mercury

It would make sense that the closer an object is to the Sun, the hotter it would be. So why is Venus hotter than Mercury?
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

How much does a spacesuit cost?

Behind every astronaut is a spacesuit with a remarkable price. Delve into the costs and complexities of these engineering marvels in this article.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

The Different Types of Stars in The Universe

While there are ~10^24 stars in the universe, there are less than 20 types of stars. In this article, we’ll explore star types.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

What are the differences between a star and a planet?

How can we tell the difference between stars and planets, and how can this help us to identify them in the night sky?
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

Which Is the Hottest Planet in Our Solar System?

Here’s what you need to know about Venus and its scorching surface, and why it is the hottest planet in the solar system.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

How NASA's Mars Perseverance Technology is Already Paying Off

The Perseverance rover is equipped with new technology in order to carry out experiments. Let's have a look at some of these technological innovations.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

how are astronauts protected from radiation?

Scientists have long known that radiation levels are higher in space than what we experience on the Earth’s surface.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024

The biggest asteroids in the solar system

The largest asteroids are impressive pieces of space debris floating around in our solar system that have helped shape the space around them.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024

How do astronauts pee and poop in space?

Even people who go into space on a high-tech spacecraft after years of preparation need to go to the bathroom! Let's find out how they do it!
Updated: Mar 27, 2024

What are asteroids made of?

As many space companies become more interested in mining asteroids, let's take a look at the minerals contained in these space rocks.
Updated: Aug 8, 2024
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