This annual publication, written by former MAAS curator Dr Nick Lomb, has been providing stargazers with everything they need to know about the southern night sky for the past 26 years. The 2016 guide contains monthly astronomy maps, viewing tips and highlights, and details of the year’s exciting celestial events. It also provides information on the solar system, updated with the latest findings from spacecraft. The Sky Guide (RRP $16.95) is available from the MAAS Store, Sydney Observatory, selected bookstores or online at Powerhouse Publishing. The guide is also available as an ebook.

Watch out for these highlights in 2016:

• Venus approaches Saturn in January
• Mercury and Venus close in May and July
• Mars at opposition in May
• Venus and Jupiter conjunction in August