Gemma Lavender
Gemma currently works for the European Space Agency on content, communications and outreach, and was formerly the content director of Space.com, Live Science, science and space magazines How It Works and All About Space, history magazines All About History and History of War as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) kids education brand Future Genius. She is the author of several books including "Quantum Physics in Minutes", "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Large Hadron Collider" and "Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to the Milky Way". She holds a degree in physical sciences, a Master’s in astrophysics and a PhD in computational astrophysics. She was elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2011. Previously, she worked for Nature's journal, Scientific Reports, and created scientific industry reports for the Institute of Physics and the British Antarctic Survey. She has covered stories and features for publications such as Physics World, Astronomy Now and Astrobiology Magazine.
Latest articles by Gemma Lavender
Best telescopes 2024: For stargazing galaxies, nebulas and more
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Buying Guide Here are the best telescopes for a range of different purposes and budgets — beginner to smart telescopes and everything in between. Keep your eyes peeled for Amazon Prime Day deals.
Celestron telescope & binocular deals 2024
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals We've scoped out all the best Celestron telescope and binoculars deals on the market and put them in this handy guide.
Meade telescopes and binocular deals 2024
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals We're keeping our eyes peeled for Meade telescopes and binoculars deals.
Sky-Watcher telescope deals 2024
By Gemma Lavender last updated
DEALS We've found the best Sky-Watcher telescope deals for you.
Best binoculars 2024: Top picks for stargazing, wildlife, birding and more
By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated
Buying Guide We've picked the best binoculars for stargazing, comet viewing and nature watching. November's Black Friday will bring price reductions, so do your research here to prepare.
What equipment do you need to see and photograph the planets
By Gemma Lavender, Josh Dury last updated
Reference Follow this guide on how to photograph and observe the neighboring worlds of our solar system.
Best telescopes for beginners 2024: Bargain models to observe the cosmos
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Buying Guide The best telescopes for beginners are a great place to start your astronomy journey — you could catch a glimpse of October's rare comet flyby, ultra-bright supermoon, or elusive 'blaze star.'
Best telescopes for kids 2024: Top picks for young skywatchers
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Buying Guide The best telescopes for kids are accessible for beginners and easy to use. They make great Christmas gifts too, and you could get a great deal on Black Friday.
Orion telescopes and binocular deals 2024: Save big on Orion optics
By Gemma Lavender last updated
Deals Here are the best Orion telescopes and binoculars deals on the market as well as our favorites displayed with their lowest prices. Remember prices may drop further on Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
How to view and photograph comets
By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated
Reference Comets are among the most exciting subjects to photograph in the night sky. Our handy guide will help you find them and capture the best images.
Binoculars Christmas gift guide 2024
By Gemma Lavender published
Gift guide If you’re looking for the best binoculars to give as a last-minute gift this holiday season we've rounded up a fool-proof guide to the best models whether they’re a beginner or more advanced observer.
Telescopes Christmas gift guide 2024: Best for all budgets
By Gemma Lavender published
Gift guide Searching for the best telescope to gift to the astronomer in your life this holiday season? Whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned astronomer, we have options for all budgets.
Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 binocular review
By Gemma Lavender published
Review Stylish, small and lightweight, the compact Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 offers limited — yet pleasing — views of planets, the moon and star fields.
Olympus 8x25 WP II binocular review
By Gemma Lavender published
Review The portable Olympus 8x25 WP II boasts an excellent optical system for clear views of the moon and bright targets with superb contrast.
Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 binoculars review
By Gemma Lavender published
Review Though too small for serious skywatching, these compact binoculars provide pleasing night sky views for the casual stargazer.
Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 binoculars review
By Gemma Lavender published
Review The small, premium Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 binoculars offer wide-field, high-definition views of the stars that will have you feeling like you are floating in space.
Celestron Inspire 80AZ telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
Review The Celestron Inspire 80AZ proves to be a reliable starter instrument at a budget price that's furnished with a good selection of accessories
Celestron Astro Fi 130 telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
Review Celestron's Astro Fi 130 combines good optics with the latest in telescope technology — but is it the right telescope for you?
Celestron NexStar 6SE telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
Review The fuss-free Celestron NexStar 6SE is a high-quality telescope that offers clear and crisp views of a selection of solar system and deep-sky targets
Celestron FirstScope 76: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
The fuss-free Celestron FirstScope 76 is an easy telescope to use, but expectations should be tailored when looking through the eyepiece
Telescope deal: Get $150 off the Celestron PowerSeeker 80EQ at Walmart
By Gemma Lavender published
Featuring everything you need to get started in skywatching, this high-quality instrument is over 45% off at Walmart.
Celestron Ambassador 80AZ telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
The optics of the Celestron Ambassador 80AZ are of good quality, promoting a high level of clarity and contrast. Easy to set up, the refractor exudes an unusual yet superior craftmanship
Celestron Cosmos 90 GT WiFi telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
With good optics that offer views of solar system and bright deep-sky targets, the Celestron Cosmos 90 GT is easy to set up and operate, with only a few minor niggles
Celestron Omni XLT 120 telescope: Full review
By Gemma Lavender, All About Space magazine last updated
With its high-quality finish, the Celestron Omni XLT 120 boasts a professional mount that provides a smooth tour of the night sky, while its optical system offers stunning views of the solar system
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