Space for everyone
My Mission
I specialise in the rewarding task of connecting people to their shared universe, by exploring the night sky and our understanding of it, in order to promote a positive impact for current and future generations.
reading the sky
Space Books
I've published bestbselling books for all ages, using storytelling and authoritative non-fiction writing to educate a broad audience of space enthusiasts and budding young astronomers.
you and me
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If you're developing a project in need of an astronomer, or you'd like to get in touch for another reason, send a message and we'll talk.
About me
I'm Tom, an international astronomer, author, speaker, broadcaster and consultant, specialising in the rewarding task of connecting people to their shared universe. As a passionate and resolute stargazer, I believe that a connection to the night sky is a fundamental part of the human experience, and in all my endeavours, I aim to strengthen that relationship to promote a positive impact for current and future generations. I work around the world to deliver a huge variety of projects, so if you think there's a way we can work together, get in touch!
chasing the night
With a long history of admiration for the night sky, I've come to recognise that it holds a transformative power, particularly as our lives become increasingly insular and dominated by information. Stargazing is a shared experience not only across the world, but through generations of deep time, and at some level it is fundamental to the human experience. I work as a professional eclipse chaser, and as Chief Aurora Chaser for Hurtigruten. I've also delivered stargazing experiences globally, working in Iceland, Norway, Hawaii, Namibia, Guatemala, Chile and more. Adventurous astronomy experiences are among a diverse range of professional services I offer.
Written in the stars
Books played a pivotal role in inspiring my interest in astronomy at a young age. Today, I write my own titles for the next generation, as well as guides for general enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge. I've written about observing objects in our Solar System, chasing the Northern Lights, extraordinary astronomy discoveries and much more. My children's books include a mixture of non-fiction and narrative-driven educational stories. I'm also working on a series of novels for young teens, which draws upon science fact to inform its science fiction.
Professional Services
As a freelance consultant, I provide a very wide range of astronomy-related professional services. I design events, deliver public talks, and help brands capture the public's enthusiasm for all things space. Clients seek my expertise across many sectors, for both remote and in-person solutions.
If you're seeking an astronomer with considerable communication experience and have an exciting project underway, we may be a perfect match!
Astronomy Experiences
From stargazing events to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, I help to bring the night sky closer for all of us, whether its remotely through the screen, or a remote corner of the world. My roster of talks spans a broad range of captivating topics.
Media Expertise
A highly experienced presenter and press expert, I provide timely, accessible insights on air and at every level of production, including narration, script fact-checking, supervision of visual effects work, and my own space-themed visualisations.
Brand Consultancy
Are you building a product launch or marketing campaign? I can bring an authentic astronomical edge to your brand. I also offer in-depth consultancy for space-themed product development, as well as brand collaboration.
I welcome you to get in touch regarding your professional project, even if your needs differ from those highlighted above. Please feel free to send me a message outlining the scope of your ambitions, and we can take it from there.
Books
I've authored and contributed to numerous bestselling books about the night sky. Writing for both adults and children, I strive to create concise and comprehensive reference guides, as well as engaging and educational stories for young readers. I enjoy writing to the highest standard, and from a position of authentic experience, filling my books with authoritative information.
Unknown Universe
ISBN: 978-0008711023 | 224 pages | 2024
A beautiful book showcasing the most stunning images from the first years of the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful infrared space observatory, along with expert insights into their revelations. Discover how these awe-inspiring images enhance our understanding of the Cosmos, and what new mysteries they unlock for astronomers. Learn more about humanity's mission to explore the far reaches of the Universe. Discover the history and background of the JWST, its technical design (size, optical system, heat shield and orbit), how the incredible observatory's instruments work, and why its striking images look the way they do. I provide accessible commentary, explaining the images in non-scientific terms whilst introducing the astronomical jargon used by the experts, and present my own previously unpublished images, processed from real data.
Unknown Universe
ISBN:
978-0008711023
224 pages | 2024
A beautiful book showcasing the most stunning images from the first years of the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful infrared space observatory, along with expert insights into their revelations. Discover how these awe-inspiring images enhance our understanding of the Cosmos, and what new mysteries they unlock for astronomers. Learn more about humanity's mission to explore the far reaches of the Universe. Discover the history and background of the JWST, its technical design (size, optical system, heat shield and orbit), how the incredible observatory's instruments work, and why its striking images look the way they do. I provide accessible commentary, explaining the images in non-scientific terms whilst introducing the astronomical jargon used by the experts, and present my own previously unpublished images, processed from real data.
Children's Guide to the Night Sky (7+)
ISBN: 978-0008700331 | 176 pages | 2024
Explore the night sky with this fact-packed guide to astronomy for children aged 7+. From planets to meteor showers, stars to satellites, kids will learn how, where, and when to see 100 incredible things in space, using binoculars, a telescope, or just their eyes. Written by me in partnership with the National Space Centre, the fully-illustrated book contains handy tips, easy-to-use star charts for each season and amazing facts about our Solar System along the way. Discover constellations, clusters and galaxies that are visible in the Northern Hemisphere; explore planets, comets and asteroids; find out about the Moon’s orbit and phases, and how to view lunar eclipses. When you're confident at navigating around the night sky, learn how to take your own amazing photographs.
Explore the night sky with this fact-packed guide to astronomy for children aged 7+. From planets to meteor showers, stars to satellites, kids will learn how, where, and when to see 100 incredible things in space, using binoculars, a telescope, or just their eyes. Written by me in partnership with the National Space Centre, the fully-illustrated book contains handy tips, easy-to-use star charts for each season and amazing facts about our Solar System along the way. Discover constellations, clusters and galaxies that are visible in the Northern Hemisphere; explore planets, comets and asteroids; find out about the Moon’s orbit and phases, and how to view lunar eclipses. When you're confident at navigating around the night sky, learn how to take your own amazing photographs.
children's guide to the night sky
ISBN:
978-0008700331
176 pages | 2024
Diamonds Everywhere
ISBN: 978-0008636968 | 240 pages | 2023
Explore the entire cosmos in 101 fascinating topics – from mind-blowing numbers, astonishing sights, to strange-but-true discoveries and everything in between. Feed your cosmic curiosity with this comprehensive guide to the Universe, featuring 101 out-of-this-world astronomical facts, discoveries and innovations. From gravitational curls to strange new worlds; the night sky to the end of time – you’re sure to find something you never knew before in this mind-expanding book, and with stunning images from the latest and greatest observatories, every turn of the page offers a visual treat. It’s the perfect gift for earthlings who love to learn.
Diamonds Everywhere
ISBN:
978-0008636968
240 pages | 2023
Explore the entire cosmos in 101 fascinating topics – from mind-blowing numbers, astonishing sights, to strange-but-true discoveries and everything in between. Feed your cosmic curiosity with this comprehensive guide to the Universe, featuring 101 out-of-this-world astronomical facts, discoveries and innovations. From gravitational curls to strange new worlds; the night sky to the end of time – you’re sure to find something you never knew before in this mind-expanding book, and with stunning images from the latest and greatest observatories, every turn of the page offers a visual treat. It’s the perfect gift for earthlings who love to learn.
Children's Picture Atlas of the Stars (7+)
ISBN: 978-0008621933 | 48 pages | 2023
Explore constellations and find out about the bright stars that form them, in this beautifully illustrated book for children. Discover the constellations that can be seen in different parts of the world and the legendary stories behind each one. Meet the fearsome lion Leo, one of the most ancient constellations in the sky; dive with Hydra, the mythical sea monster that was defeated by Hercules; come face-to-face with Orion, the mighty hunter from Greek mythology. From amazing animals and brilliant birds to monsters and monster-slayers – children will love learning about these incredible star patterns and the science, history and myths surrounding them.
Explore constellations and find out about the bright stars that form them, in this beautifully illustrated book for children. Discover the constellations that can be seen in different parts of the world and the legendary stories behind each one. Meet the fearsome lion Leo, one of the most ancient constellations in the sky; dive with Hydra, the mythical sea monster that was defeated by Hercules; come face-to-face with Orion, the mighty hunter from Greek mythology. From amazing animals and brilliant birds to monsters and monster-slayers – children will love learning about these incredible star patterns and the science, history and myths surrounding them.
Children's Picture Atlas of the Stars
ISBN:
978-0008621933
48 pages | 2023
Starry Stories Series (3+)
Take your little ones stargazing with this series of rhyming storybooks, written by myself and beautifully illustrated by the incredibly talented Anni Betts. Join an inquisitive squirrel in Greenwich Park who stays up to learn about the night sky, meet surprising new friends and teachers, and discover the stars.
The Squirrel that Watched the Stars
ISBN: 979-8426091351 | 32 pages | 2022
A curious grey squirrel stays up after sunset and becomes enthralled by the beautiful night sky. He longs to know more about the stars, just like the astronomers at the observatory close to his tree. Unable to speak to the astronomers, and with no one else around to help him, it seems the squirrel might never have his questions answered. But just before he goes to bed, he meets an unlikely visitor - Cygnus the Swan - who shares her remarkable knowledge to teach him everything he wants to know.
The Squirrel that Found the North Star
ISBN: 979-8388782526 | 32 pages | 2023
Looking at the endless stars in the night sky, the stargazing squirrel feels lost. His friend and guide Cygnus offers to introduce him to some new teachers, who can help him find his way at night. She warns him to be wary of these cold-loving, hairy creatures, who are known for their sharp teeth and large claws. Left all alone, the nervous little squirrel doesn’t know what to expect. Then, out of the darkness, two grizzly beasts suddenly appear and startle him! But the squirrel has nothing to be afraid of. This pair of starry bears is here to show him the North Star.
The Squirrel that Watched the Stars
ISBN:
979-8426091351
32 pages | 2022
A curious grey squirrel stays up after sunset and becomes enthralled by the beautiful night sky. He longs to know more about the stars, just like the astronomers at the observatory close to his tree. Unable to speak to the astronomers, and with no one else around to help him, it seems the squirrel might never have his questions answered. But just before he goes to bed, he meets an unlikely visitor - Cygnus the Swan - who shares her remarkable knowledge to teach him everything he wants to know.
Looking at the endless stars in the night sky, the stargazing squirrel feels lost. His friend and guide Cygnus offers to introduce him to some new teachers, who can help him find his way at night. She warns him to be wary of these cold-loving, hairy creatures, who are known for their sharp teeth and large claws. Left all alone, the nervous little squirrel doesn’t know what to expect. Then, out of the darkness, two grizzly beasts suddenly appear and startle him! But the squirrel has nothing to be afraid of. This pair of starry bears is here to show him the North Star.
The Squirrel that Found the North Star
ISBN:
979-8388782526
32 pages | 2023
Observing Our Solar System
ISBN: 978-0008532611 | 112 pages | 2022
This guide takes stargazers with some experience to their next destination: the Solar System. Learn how our celestial neighbourhood came to be understood – from ancient theories of its mechanics to the modern age of remote sensing, Explore the significant targets for amateur astronomers – the Moon, Sun and planets – to see how they can be observed by eye and with telescopes. Discover some of the more obscure but fascinating worlds, including asteroids and dwarf planets, and dazzling special events, such as meteor showers, conjunctions, occultations and eclipses. This fully illustrated guide includes advice on astrophotography and a list of excellent online resources to support your observing. Published by Collins in 2022.
Observing Our Solar System
ISBN:
978-0008532611
112 pages | 2022
This guide takes stargazers with some experience to their next destination: the Solar System. Learn how our celestial neighbourhood came to be understood – from ancient theories of its mechanics to the modern age of remote sensing, Explore the significant targets for amateur astronomers – the Moon, Sun and planets – to see how they can be observed by eye and with telescopes. Discover some of the more obscure but fascinating worlds, including asteroids and dwarf planets, and dazzling special events, such as meteor showers, conjunctions, occultations and eclipses. This fully illustrated guide includes advice on astrophotography and a list of excellent online resources to support your observing. Published by Collins in 2022.
Northern Lights
ISBN: 978-0008465551 | 112 pages | 2021
As a seasoned aurora-chaser, I'm proud to have produced this definitive guide for anyone interested in learning more about this spellbinding phenomenon, or planning their own arctic adventure. Read about the formation, properties and diverse types of auroras. Discover the mythology and history of the Northern Lights, spanning thousands of years. Find out about aurora science from Antiquity to the modern day, including the space age which enabled accurate aurora-forecasting. Finally, learn how to take your own stunning photographs of the Northern Lights. This fully illustrated guide has been well-received by experienced aurora-chasers and scientists alike, and is ideally suited to those who dream to see the Northern Lights one day. Published by Collins in 2021.
As a seasoned aurora-chaser, I'm proud to have produced this definitive guide for anyone interested in learning more about this spellbinding phenomenon, or planning their own arctic adventure. Read about the formation, properties and diverse types of auroras. Discover the mythology and history of the Northern Lights, spanning thousands of years. Find out about aurora science from Antiquity to the modern day, including the space age which enabled accurate aurora-forecasting. Finally, learn how to take your own stunning photographs of the Northern Lights. This fully illustrated guide has been well-received by experienced aurora-chasers and scientists alike, and is ideally suited to those who dream to see the Northern Lights one day. Published by Collins in 2021.
Northern Lights
ISBN:
978-0008465551112 pages | 2021
YOU CAN Explore the Universe (7+)
ISBN: 978-0008420970 | 96 pages | 2021
Created as part of the fantastic YOU CAN range, YOU CAN explore the universe is the how-to book for kids who love space. It’s easy to understand and tells them exactly what they need to know step-by-step. With easy tips on how, when and where to spot stars and planets, space to scribble and make the book their own, and fun activities guaranteed to ignite curiosity and wonder, this book is ideal for budding young astronomers. I created and curated dozens of thought-provoking exercises and challenges for children aged 7-11, which are perfectly suitable for the home or the classroom. Published by Collins Kids in 2021.
YOU CAN Explore the Universe
ISBN:
978-0008420970
96 pages | 2021
Created as part of the fantastic YOU CAN range, YOU CAN explore the universe is the how-to book for kids who love space. It’s easy to understand and tells them exactly what they need to know step-by-step. With easy tips on how, when and where to spot stars and planets, space to scribble and make the book their own, and fun activities guaranteed to ignite curiosity and wonder, this book is ideal for budding young astronomers. I created and curated dozens of thought-provoking exercises and challenges for children aged 7-11, which are perfectly suitable for the home or the classroom. Published by Collins Kids in 2021.
other titles
Other titles I've written and contributed to include STARGAZING (co-author, Collins 2016), MOONGAZING (author, Collins 2018), Night Sky Almanac (foreword, Collins 2020) and The Moon (contributor, Collins 2019). I am self-represented for all publishing projects, so if you'd like to get in touch about a title you're developing, or would like to hear new and exciting pitches, please contact me directly.
Coming soon...
This is a new website, and some bits are still under construction. This page will eventually highlight featured press and media contributions.
Coming soon...
This is a new website, and some bits are still under construction. This page will eventually highlight recommended resources and downloads.
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I'm an astronomer, author, speaker and consultant based in the UK and US. I specialise in the rewarding task of connecting people to their shared universe, by exploring the night sky and our understanding of it. I'm a
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