1 February 2026
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Alrescha

Observing

How to find Ceres, the nearest and brightest dwarf planet at its best

23 October 2016 Ade Ashford

Ceres, the largest minor planet inside the orbit of Neptune, passed closest to Earth on the evening of 22 October — the night of the last quarter Moon. With the lunar crescent now confined to the morning sky, grab your binoculars or telescope, print out some star charts from our online guide and track down the brightest of the dwarf planets while at its best.

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News Headlines

  • Dr Allan Chapman (1946-2026)
    26 January 2026
  • Potentially bright ‘sungrazing’ comet discovered
    16 January 2026
  • Thank you from the editor
    17 December 2025
  • Hubble revisits a cosmic yardstick
    25 October 2025
  • Europe’s planet hunting spacecraft complete and ready for final testing
    21 October 2025

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