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
Which Spacecraft has Traveled The Furthest?
In this article, we explore which spacecraft has ventured the farthest from Earth, delving into its mission, capabilities, and the records it has set.
the different types of meteorites
Explore the different types of meteorites, including stony, iron, and stony iron. Learn about their characteristics and origins in this comprehensive article.
How long does it take to get to Mars?
There are many factors that can affect the duration of a journey to Mars, including the trajectory of the spacecraft, the speed of the spacecraft, and the position of Mars in its orbit around the Sun.
Field of view calculator
The telescope's FOV determines the amount of sky you can see in your eyepiece. Use this simple field-of-view calculator to maximize your stargazing enjoyment.
Moon Phase Calculator
Stay in sync with the lunar cycle using our easy-to-use moon phase calculator. Whether you're a stargazer, a planner, or just curious, our calculator can help you discover the phase of the moon for any date.
What is the coldest place in the universe?
Deep in the depths of space, there is a place where the temperature plunges to unimaginable lows. This frigid realm, known as the Boomerang Nebula, is the coldest known place in the universe.
Which planet has the most moon?
For a long time, many people assumed that Jupiter had the most moons. However, recent discoveries have dethroned Jupiter as the moon king.
what makes the moon shine?
When sunlight hits the Moon, it is reflected off of the regolith and back into space, making the Moon appear bright to us on Earth.
questions and answers about mars rover perseverance
I have compiled 50 questions and answers about Perseverance, a remotely operated robotic vehicle designed to search for signs of ancient life on planet Mars.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF)
There's a new comet in town, and it's coming up fast. Comet C/2022 E3 is expected to reach naked-eye visibility by early February 2023.
How to focus your telescope
Focusing a telescope may be, at times, challenging. Today, you will learn how to properly focus your telescope and improve your viewing sessions.
Will asteroid mining ever become a reality?
We are much closer to asteroid mining than most people know, and yet, there are still many things that we have to overcome.
The Most Famous Comets Discovered By Astronomers
Comets are responsible for the most famous meteor showers on Earth. Here are seven of the most famous comets discovered by astronomers.
Interesting Facts About Black Holes
Black holes are some of the most fascinating objects in the universe. Their properties are both mind-blowing and terrifying. Here are 10 cool facts about black holes.
How Many Space Stations are Currently in Orbit
There are two active space stations orbiting around the Earth: the International Space Station (ISS) and China's Tiagong Space Station (TSS).
How many flags are on the Moon?
In this article, we will count how many flags are currently on the Moon, and how many countries managed to plant their flag on the lunar soil.
Moon Missions Interactive Map
This interactive map shows the location of every successful moon landing so far. By clicking the hotspots, you'll access some information about the mission.
The different types of telescope mounts explained
The telescope mount is what supports the telescope tube and allows you to aim it at different objects in the sky.
What are the different types of astronaut suits?
If you are an avid follower of space exploration, you have likely seen the different types of astronaut suits that are worn by astronauts during their missions.
How to set up your telescope
I'll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your telescope, from choosing the right location to aligning your optics.