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.
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.

A Guide to Binoculars

To understand the working principle of binoculars, first you need to know a little about telescopes. In fact, this is exactly what binoculars are, two identical telescopes placed next to each other.
Nov 21, 2023

The 88 Modern Constellations

The International Astronomical Union officially recognizes 88 constellations with defined borders encompassing the entire northern and southern hemispheres.
Nov 20, 2023

The Moon

The Moon has fascinated us since ancient times and still holds the record as the only other world humans have stepped on and visited.
Nov 9, 2023

Images of extraterrestrial world surfaces

Take a look at the diverse imagery and unique characteristics of the eight extraterrestrial terrains where humanity has successfully deployed robotic explorers.
Nov 7, 2023

Is buying a star legitimate?

A common gift idea for that special astronomy lover in your life is to name a star after them, but can you really buy a star or is this a gimmick?
Nov 1, 2023

The Largest Moons in Our Solar System

From Ganymede to Titan: Join us on a celestial journey as we detail the grandeur of the solar system's ten most massive moons.
Oct 30, 2023

The Simple Reason Why We Can See The Moon During The Day

The moon may be our near-constant companion in the night sky, but you have also likely spotted it during the daytime. How is this possible?
Oct 27, 2023

List of countries with space programs

You might be surprised to learn that there are over 70 space agencies on Earth, 16 of which have launch capabilities or are currently developing launch capabilities.
Oct 13, 2023

What countries have been to Mars so far?

From first attempts to recent landings: a comprehensive timeline of countries making their mark on Mars.
Oct 10, 2023

Current theories on what could be bigger than the universe

Let’s explore the various theories and current science relating to what is “beyond” or “bigger” than the universe.
Oct 9, 2023

How long does it take to get to each planet?

Unsurprisingly, the answer is not set in stone. Variables like the planet's position, spacecraft speed, trajectory, payload weight, and fuel efficiency come into play.
Sep 27, 2023

how to identify a meteorite

You pick up a strange-looking rock, its surface unlike anything you've seen before, and for a moment, you wonder: Could this be a fragment from space?
Sep 22, 2023

New Moons Explained

The moon has been a constant, mesmerizing presence in our night sky. Yet, once a month, it seemingly vanishes, leaving the night sky dark and empty.
Sep 19, 2023

Andromeda Constellation

Looking up at the night sky in the autumn months, one can't miss the striking shape of the constellation Andromeda.
Sep 12, 2023

How to Get Your Meteorite Tested by a Laboratory

From understanding the initial indicators that differentiate a meteorite from a mere Earth rock to the nitty-gritty of working with specialized labs, my article will walk you through every step.
Sep 7, 2023

Space tourists are not astronauts

In the age of commercial space travel, the line between astronauts and space tourists has become increasingly blurred.
Sep 4, 2023

Can astronauts bring personal belongings to space with them?

Packing for space is not your average vacation checklist. Learn what astronauts are allowed to bring for their emotional and psychological well-being.
Sep 1, 2023

How Do I Contact a Meteorite Buyer?

Navigate the world of meteorite selling with ease. Our guide on how to contact a meteorite buyer will help you through every step, from discovery to sale.
Aug 29, 2023

Planet Mars

Learn about Mars, our solar system's fourth planet. Learn its unique characteristics, its orbital path, its interesting features, and more.
Aug 29, 2023

When is the next blue moon?

Experience the wonder of the Blue Moon. Find out when to gaze up at the night sky with our guide to the next five dates and times.
Aug 25, 2023
Previous 4 5 6 7 8 Next