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.
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.
Latest From Tom Urbain
How far away is the Moon
Looking for the real-time distance between Earth and the Moon? Find out the current distance of the Moon with our reliable and accurate tracker.
When is the full moon in June?
Discover the Strawberry Moon 2023 date and time in June. Learn about this unique full moon phase, why it's special, and how best to view it.
How far away is Jupiter
Looking for the real-time distance between Earth and Jupiter? Find out the current distance of Jupiter with our reliable and accurate tracker.
Planetary Orbital Parameters Explained
This glossary will help you understand the intricacies of celestial motion and uncover the key terms and concepts related to planetary orbits.
How far away is Mercury
Looking for the real-time distance between Earth and Mercury? Find out the current distance of Mercury with our reliable and accurate tracker.
How far away is Venus
Looking for the real-time distance between Earth and Venus? Find out the current distance of Venus with our reliable and accurate tracker.
Refractors Vs Reflectors: The Pros & Cons of Each Telescope Design
Discover the pros and cons of refracting and reflecting telescopes. We'll compare key factors such as budget, aperture size, observing capability, ease of use and much more.
How far away is Mars
Looking for the real-time distance between Earth and Mars? Find out the current distance of Mars with our reliable and accurate tracker.
The Spacecraft Cemetery
Meet the world's only spacecraft cemetery: Point Nemo, a unique and remote underwater graveyard for retired satellites and space debris.
Is there gold on the Moon
Discover the intriguing possibility of gold on the Moon and learn about the challenges of lunar mining and the implications for future space exploration.
How many people are in space right now?
Discover the names of the brave men and women currently living and working aboard the two space stations currently in orbit around the planet.
Is the Moon just a rock
In this article, we will explore the scientific findings and theories surrounding the Moon, with a focus on its surface features and composition.
Where are most asteroids found
Discover the secret hotspots in the solar system where the majority of asteroids are found.
Why do stars twinkle
What makes stars appear to twinkle in the night sky? In fact, stars do not actually twinkle; they only look like it when seen from the surface of Earth due to the effects of our atmosphere.
What are the hottest things in the universe?
Discover the hottest things in the universe: From supernovae to the sun, learn about the significance of heat and its role in shaping our universe.
Which Planet Has The Strongest Gravity Field?
Discover the incredible power of gravity as we uncover the strongest gravitational force in our solar system.
A Complete Guide to Safe Stargazing in the Wilderness
Learn how to safely stargaze in the great outdoors. Our tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the night sky.
What would happen if the sun exploded
In about five billion years, our beloved Sun will transform into a red giant and engulf the Earth. But what if something happens earlier and the Sun suddenly explodes?
telescope storage
Owning a telescope involves careful maintenance. You must ensure that the storage conditions are optimal so that you can enjoy watching the night sky whenever you want.
What Happens If an Astronaut Floats Off Into Space?
Even though no astronaut has found themselves in this situation before, there are some contingency plans in case it happens.