Spectroscopy is the bread and butter of astrophysics and with it astronomers can make discoveries that fire the imagination, and learn things that would otherwise be impossible. Through spectroscopy we are coming to understand what the language of spectra is telling us about the Universe at large. Uncover the secrets of spectroscopy in this issue’s Focus as Kulvinder Singh Chadha introduces us to the first spectroscopists and how this intriguing science can teach us about the ingredients of stars and planets.

In this issue you can also trace the history of the Sun’s family tree as Keith Cooper searches for the Sun’s missing siblings and spend a night with the spring galaxies as Nik Szymanek explains how to image the magnificent spiral M81. Martin Mobberley also has some hot tips to help prepare for this summer’s total solar eclipse, Tony Markham chronicles his three decades of variable star observing which recently saw him reach his 100,000th magnitude estimate, and Nick Howes takes a look at how astronomy can be made more accessible to those who are physically disadvantaged.

Plus all the usual news, reviews and of course, the biggest and best night sky guide, this month featuring globular clusters and a tour of Canes Venatici.