What is NOVA Recommended?

Founded and led by Dr. Sarah Crick, who holds a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge, the organization operates as the astronomy-focused educational hub under the umbrella company Just Good Science Ltd. 

Rather than keeping astronomy locked away in complex textbooks, Mission Astro translates heavy astrophysics into highly engaging, kid-friendly adventures:

• Online Astronomy Courses: Space-themed digital learning programs designed particularly to enrich home education. 
• Interactive Workshops: Tailored classroom and community group activities designed around school curriculums (from early years foundation stage up to high school). 
• Insight Talks & Assemblies: Lively, engaging lectures covering fascinating space questions like the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. 
• Stargazing Events: NOVAs partner for public stargazing sessions held across various community spaces and venues in England.
• STEAM Craft Kits: Creative, at-home art kits (like mosaic making and glass painting) designed in collaboration with artists to merge science with physical arts. 

The foundational philosophy of Mission Astro is that you do not need to be an astronaut to build a fulfilling career in the space sector. By providing accessible tutoring, free teacher resources, and interactive courses, Dr. Crick and her team of educators aim to equip the next generation with the astronomical knowledge to eventually drive future cosmic discoveries. 

The book follows the stellar adventures of Mira, a courageous and curious vole who absolutely loves exploring new worlds.  

Mira becomes captivated by Enceladus, one of Saturn's famous icy moons, which is highly celebrated in astronomy because scientists believe a liquid ocean lies hidden beneath its thick, icy crust. Eager to see what is out there, Mira launches into space on a daring expedition.  

Originally inspired by long-exposure photography, Diane became fascinated by the way a camera could reveal things that often went unnoticed. Streetlights reflected across wet pavements, fairy lights transformed ordinary cafés into something magical, and traffic trails turned familiar roads into ribbons of colour. As her photography evolved, she began experimenting with fireworks, star trails and the night sky, discovering how light could completely transform the places we thought we knew.

Diane is a two-time People's Choice Award winner, receiving The British Art Prize in 2024 and the SAA Artists of the Year award in 2025. Her painting The Train of Lights was selected as the cover artwork for Hawkwind's album Psychedelic Selections, and in 2026 she created 'Celestial Beacon', a lighthouse sculpture featuring hand-painted constellations for St Luke's Guiding Lights trail in Plymouth (which also glows under a UV torch)! Her work has also been featured in publications including Artists & Illustrators, The Artist, Paint & Create, Astronomy Now and DRIFT.

Diane has a multitude of awards.

Diane sells her incredible artwork online. It is ONE OF A KIND, and absolutely stunning. 

Find out more about "Looking Up".

Click the link below to see more of her incredible nightscapes. 

For some time I had been following the work of stargazing guide Jordan from NOVA Stargazing, whose photographs often featured a telescope illuminated by a distinctive red light beneath spectacular night skies. The glow immediately caught my attention, but it wasn't the telescope I wanted to paint.

It was what it represented.

The telescope became an invitation to look beyond what we normally see.

Inspired by the colours and flowing patterns revealed through modern astronomy, I imagined a sky that sits somewhere between observation and imagination. Rather than depicting a scientifically accurate view, the painting explores the feeling of standing beneath the stars while knowing there is infinitely more above us than our eyes alone can reveal.

As the painting developed, another idea emerged. Just as a telescope reveals details hidden from the naked eye, the painting itself contains a subtle fluorescent layer. Invisible under normal light, the stars quietly glow beneath ultraviolet light, revealing one final layer of discovery.

Before Looking Up had even been publicly released, its story took an unexpected turn.

Jordan's fiancée, Chloe, contacted me after seeing the finished painting. Knowing how much the original idea meant to him, she secretly arranged to buy it as a surprise for his birthday, with his family helping to keep everything under wraps.

What began with my fascination with a red-lit telescope beneath the stars became an experiment in pushing my own night skies further, and ultimately a painting that found its way back to the person whose photographs helped inspire it.

A hands-on baking and pastry training provider based in Alcester, Warwickshire, England. It was founded by pro chef and expert baker Nelson, to share artisan baking skills with others after many requests from people wanting to learn bread making techniques. 

1. Artisan Bread Making

• Courses focus on sourdough bread, taught from starter creation to shaping and baking.
• Classes aim to give students the confidence and skills to replicate artisan breads at home.
• Suitable for beginners and more experienced bakers.
   

2. Pastry Courses

• Practical workshops that teach classic and artisan pastry techniques.
• Likely include making items such as croissants, Danish pastries, and other handcrafted baked goods.
   

3. Pizza Courses

• Courses designed for pizza lovers to make the best kinds of pizzas at home. 

• Gift Cards available for courses, via their website so they can be booked as presents. 
• The school focuses on practical, hands-on learning where participants mix, shape and bake under guidance.
   

Courses are run @
9 Butter Street, Alcester, B49 5AL, Warwickshire, United Kingdom

They have also previously run courses from your home or other locations but please contact the business to enquire further. 

Our wonderful friends at Blyth Hall have a stunning location that is located just east of Birmingham near Coleshill. They offer a myriad of services which are listed below and ourselves at NOVA stargazing operates public stargazing events on their behalf. 

-Public stargazing events (operated by NOVA)

- A truly personal service for your group of 10 to stay at the house

-Weddings

-Parties

-Family get togethers

-Corporate stays

-Meetings 

-Events

-Or for enjoying the many opportunities for culture, entertainment and business that Warwickshire and the West Midlands provide. 

Contact Blyth Hall via their website to find out more..
 

Blyth Hall, Blythe Rd, Shustoke, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 2AD

Let's Paint is all about relaxed, feel-good creativity for everyone. Founded and run by the incredible master of her art and pro painter Maria Smith, an experienced and friendly art tutor. 

1. Fun paint and sip nights

2. Colourful paint parties for children

• These sessions are completely beginner friendly and focus on having a go-no experience needed. Using acrylic paints. Maria guides you step by step through each artwork in a supportive, easy to follow way, so you can enjoy the process and feel proud of what you create. 

• With affordable prices and a lively, welcoming atmosphere, Let's Paint is perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a fun night out with a paintbrush.

• Gift Vouchers available via their website, so you can give the perfect gift.
• Maria focuses on hands-on learning and fun where you are guided by her expertise. 
• Let's Paint are available for private hire and run public events.
   

Based in Stroud and work within Gloucestershire.

The Spaceguard Centre is the National Near-Earth Objects Information Centre (NNEOIC) based in the UK. It serves as a public education and research facility focused on the detection and study of asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth.

1. Book onto a personal guided tour with an astronomer to take you around the facility and learn all about what they do and get to see their incredible gear that is tracking near-earth objects.

• With affordable prices and a welcoming atmosphere, the centre is well worth a visit and you'll no doubt come away from the centre having learned something new and feel as though you have got your fix of all things space. 

• Contact the spaceguard centre via their website to book your tour in advance.
   

Tour @ Spaceguard Centre, Llanshay Ln, Knighton, Wales LD7 1LW.

Bringing the power of human spaceflight to education, business and communities

Live astronaut appearances, keynote speakers, STEM engagement, corporate events, school outreach and public spaceflight experiences featuring astronauts, space explorers and industry pioneers.

Live in person astronaut talks that include the following:

12:00pm

•  Access to our exhibitor area featuring space memorabilia, meteorites, space art, STEM organisations and more.

1:00pm

• Opportunity to purchase an optional professional Meet & Greet Photo with Doug Hurley, including mounted print and digital download. 

2:00pm

• Live Astronaut Talk with Doug Hurley.
• Interactive Audience Q&A where you can ask your own questions.
• In-Person Autograph.

4:00pm

• Event Closes

12:00pm

•  All the benefits of General Admission with priority front center seating during the live talk and audience Q&A.

6:00pm

• 3 course dinner followed by Tea/Coffee
• Live after-dinner talk
• Live audience Q&A
• VIP Award presentation for veteran VIP attendees
• Fundraising space/astronaut memorabilia auction.
• Two autographs.

10:00pm

• Event Closes
   

Saturday 7th November 2026 @ Cranfield

Run on a non-profit basis by astronomy enthusiast Neil who's passion for all things astronomy and stargazing compelled him to create gostaargazing.co.uk

• Finding Stargazing Locations: Helping people locate the best dark sky reserves, discovery sites, observatories, and local beauty spots across the UK to view the night sky.
• Public Stargazing Events: Providing an interactive map and calendar for users to discover organized local astronomy events, club meetings, and telescope viewings hosted by societies and groups.
• Promoting Astronomy Outreach: Supporting the wider astronomical community by advertising local club activities and encouraging public interest in space and stargazing.
• Resources & Guides: Offering beginner-friendly guides on equipment (such as telescope recommendations and smart telescopes), advice on mitigating light pollution, and practical tips on when and how to observe celestial highlights like meteor showers and eclipses.
• Mobile App & Extras: Offering a free mobile app (for iOS and Android) to help users find events and locations on the go, alongside extras like stargazing experience vouchers and astro-tourism guides.
   

Across England, Wales & Scotland

 Gemma Liz (writing under the pen name Gemma Seeley) is an author, special educational needs (SEND) teacher, and mother whose debut children's picture book, Ursa and the Search for Big Bear, is scheduled for publication on 1st October 2026. 

An interstellar adventure like no other, this gentle tale of bravery and love is played out across the vastness of space. A remarkable and enchanting introduction to our night skies and the constellations within it, that will take you on an unforgettable voyage of discovery.
 

Join Gemma at the Sherwood observatory on Sunday 4th October 2026 as she launches her book!