Guides & Downloads
Use BBC Learning's guides and downloads to get hands-on with the Universe!
Guides
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How I became a British astronaut
Tim Peake's autobiographical timeline from cadet to spaceman
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Britain's hidden role in the space race
A history of success, missed chances and vital contributions
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Got what it takes to be an astronaut?
Tim Peake sets the challenges to see if you have the right stuff
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Did comets kick start life on Earth?
Prof Chris Lintott questions the 'water from comets' theory
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Which stars were you really born under?
Use our interactive guide to find your astronomical star sign
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Life without the Moon
Maggie Aderin-Pocock asks if it matters that the Moon is moving away from us
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Why is it so rare to see a solar eclipse?
Lucie green explains why we don't see eclipses so often
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The Orion space photo challenge
You helped create one of the best wide field space photos ever
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How do telescopes work?
Refractors, reflectors and radio telescopes - find out how they let us see so far
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How do we know about the Big Bang?
Most experts accept it happened, but what's the evidence?
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Why is Mars so hostile?
It's a rocky planet with ice caps and seasons, so why does Mars seem so lifeless?
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How to take space photos
Interactive guide to taking photos with cameras, telescopes and webcams
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Animated guide to stars
This beautiful short explains how stars shine, why we're all star stuff, and more
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Animated guide to Mars
In the search for alien life, why is the Red Planet still our greatest obsession?
Downloads
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Event pack
Practical advice and inspirational activities for event organisers (PDF 3.2MB)
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Star party pack
Fun and interesting ways to host a star party for family and friends of all ages
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Telescope guide
If you're buying a telescope for the first time then read this (PDF 0.6MB)
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Eclipse guide
Sun and eclipse facts plus a step-by-step guide to make your own solar viewer (PDF 0.9MB)
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NASA Sun poster
Read about then download this NASA poster for a spectacular view of our Sun
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Make a telescope
Step-by-step guide to building your own refractor telescope (PDF 0.3MB)
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Universe poster
The life of the Universe from the Big Bang to the distant future (PDF 0.9MB)
