Guides & Downloads

Use BBC Learning's guides and downloads to get hands-on with the Universe!

How I became a British astronaut

Tim Peake's autobiographical timeline from cadet to spaceman
Britain's hidden role in the space race

A history of success, missed chances and vital contributions
Got what it takes to be an astronaut?

Tim Peake sets the challenges to see if you have the right stuff
Did comets kick start life on Earth?

Prof Chris Lintott questions the 'water from comets' theory
Which stars were you really born under?

Use our interactive guide to find your astronomical star sign
Life without the Moon

Maggie Aderin-Pocock asks if it matters that the Moon is moving away from us
Why is it so rare to see a solar eclipse?

Lucie green explains why we don't see eclipses so often
The Orion space photo challenge

You helped create one of the best wide field space photos ever
How do telescopes work?

Refractors, reflectors and radio telescopes - find out how they let us see so far
How do we know about the Big Bang?

Most experts accept it happened, but what's the evidence?
Why is Mars so hostile?

It's a rocky planet with ice caps and seasons, so why does Mars seem so lifeless?
How to take space photos

Interactive guide to taking photos with cameras, telescopes and webcams
Animated guide to stars

This beautiful short explains how stars shine, why we're all star stuff, and more
Animated guide to Mars

In the search for alien life, why is the Red Planet still our greatest obsession?

Event pack

Practical advice and inspirational activities for event organisers (PDF 3.2MB)
Star party pack

Fun and interesting ways to host a star party for family and friends of all ages
Telescope guide

If you're buying a telescope for the first time then read this (PDF 0.6MB)
Eclipse guide

Sun and eclipse facts plus a step-by-step guide to make your own solar viewer (PDF 0.9MB)
NASA Sun poster

Read about then download this NASA poster for a spectacular view of our Sun
Make a telescope

Step-by-step guide to building your own refractor telescope (PDF 0.3MB)
Universe poster

The life of the Universe from the Big Bang to the distant future (PDF 0.9MB)