Are you a Star Trek fan about to beam down to a Halloween party? Maybe you want to give Trick or Treat a Trekkie twist? We've got you covered with costumes based on the iconic sci-fi franchise, from the original series through to Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Discovery and beyond.
Adult costumes aside, we've also included outfits for younger Star Trek fans and props to round out your outfit. You needn't put them away when Halloween is over, either. Star Trek costumes are so universally recognized you can use them for cosplay purposes too, or the next time someone throws a Trek-themed party.
The best stargazing apps can take your observation of the night sky to the next level, whether that's using augmented reality (AR mode) to identify stars or looking up the next lunar eclipse.
However, the bright light emitted by smartphone screens can prevent your eyes from adjusting to the dark. If you're using one of the best telescopes, you'll want to preserve your night vision even more. Fortunately, there are ways to all but eliminate this problem.
Why are bright screens bad for stargazing?
The brighter your screen, the harder you'll find it to spot distant objects in the night sky. (Image credit: Getty Images)
When you step out into the dark, it can take up to 20-30 minutes for your vision to adjust. The rod cells in your eyes build up a chemical known as rhodopsin, which gives you night vision.
However, bright light bleaches that chemical, negatively impacting your night vision. So when you look through a telescope, binoculars or just turn your eyes to the night sky after peering at a bright phone screen, it'll be harder for you to pick out fainter objects such as galaxies and nebulas.
One way of fixing this problem is simply to put your phone away and wait another 20-30 minutes. But if you're using a stargazing app to help you navigate the night skies, that's not really an option.
The good news is that, between individual stargazing apps and your phone's own built-in features, you can minimize the impact of your smartphone's screen light.
How to block white light in stargazing apps
SkyView and several other stargazing apps let you apply a red filter. (Image credit: Skyview)
Many of the best stargazing apps will let you enable a red light filter or similar, though this option may not always be present in the free version. Here's how to do that in three of our favorite stargazing apps:
SkyView: Tap the screen, tap the horizontal lines, tap on Settings, then Display, then Night Mode and Red.
Star Walk 2: Tap the horizontal lines, tap on Settings, then tap the button next to Night Mode.
Sky Tonight: Tap the horizontal lines, tap on Settings, then Tools, then Night Mode.
All these modes will minimize the amount of white light coming from the app. However, be aware that this is only within the app. Once you go back to your phone's main menu, it will be at full color. With the red screen naturally looking darker, you may have turned up the brightness on your phone, so making the switch away from the app will be quite the shock.
If you want to dim your whole phone or put it into red light mode, here's how to do that on Android or iPhone.
How to block white light on Android phones
Many Android phones, including recent Pixel and Samsung models, include the equivalent of a red filter. (Image credit: Samsung)
On Android, there are several ways to minimize the impact of bright light, depending on the model and make of phone you have.
One near-universal option is to dim your smartphone. Swipe down the notification panel from the top of the screen and you'll see a brightness slider. Slide this to the left to dim your phone.
We'd also recommend disabling adaptive brightness in the Display section of your phone's settings. You may also have an Extra Dim option in the Accessibility menu — just don't dim the screen to the point of not being able to see it at all!
Some Android phones, such as recent Samsung and Google Pixel models, also offer a Red Filter. On some, you'll find this in Accessibility, then Vision Enhancements, then Color Filter. You can then choose the color you want and also tweak the opacity.
All the above options will let you continue to use your smartphone for stargazing, while minimizing its negative impact on your night vision.
How to block white light on Apple iPhones
Apple's iPhones also offer an option to minimize the effect of white light. (Image credit: Apple)
As with Android phones, iPhones have a built-in option to dim the screen brightness. In this case, you swipe down from the top of the screen and look for the vertical brightness slider, represented by a sun icon. Reduce the slider as much as you're comfortable with, dimming the screen while still keeping it visible.
Beyond that, recent iPhones also offer the ability to apply a color filter, again via their Accessibility options. Here's how to do that.
First, tap on the Settings icon, then pick Accessibility. Select Display & Text Size and go to Color Filters. Tap the Color Filter button. Then, pick Color Tint and move the Hue and Intensity sliders all the way to the right.
Want to educate young children about the wonders of the cosmos? Depending on the time of year, your location and the weather, your hopes to see the night sky in real life might not be as easy as heading into the backyard and peering up. That's why one of the best star projectors might be the solution.
That's why we've picked out six star projectors that actually deliver scientifically accurate images, from projections of the northern hemisphere to breathtaking pictures from the Hubble Space Telescope.
Any one of these will turn your home into a private planetarium. Each comes with several swappable images, and you can purchase additional slides/discs for the Homestar and Pococo models. If you're seeking to stimulate a child's interest in space and STEM or just take your friends on a journey through space, these are the scientifically accurate projectors to purchase.
Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a newcomer to the hobby, the best stargazing apps have the potential to seriously enhance your skywatching experience. But it's easy to overlook just how useful these portable programs can be.
That's why we've put together this guide to getting the best use out of stargazing apps, from identifying stars and constellations through to seeking out dark sky sites and beyond. You will wonder how you ever managed without them.
So read on and get ready to take your stargazing to the next level. And if you're wondering how else technology can take the work out of skywatching, we've also rounded up the best smart telescopes.
Using stargazing apps
Some apps use Augmented Reality (AR) features to allow users to scan the sky in real-time. (Image credit: Getty Images)
Before we explore specific uses, there are a few things you need to know about using the best stargazing apps on your Apple or Android device.
Firstly, while some apps support offline use, you'll typically need a mobile or Wi-Fi signal with data to make the most of these apps.
Also, some apps lock certain features behind a paywall. Pay for Stellarium Plus, for example, and you get an additional 2 million deep sky objects, the ability to connect to certain telescopes and more.
Finally, while many stargazing apps are relatively intuitive, we'd recommend you familiarize yourself with them at home before taking them out into the field.
Identifying stars in the field
Sky Tonight is one of the apps that, via AR, can be used to identify stars and other objects. (Image credit: Vito Technology)
One of the most common and convenient uses for stargazing apps is identifying stars, constellations and more, just by pointing your phone's camera at them.
It really is that simple. Take Sky Tonight, which we think is the best stargazing app for AR (augmented reality). Launch the app, grant it camera access and turn it towards the object you want to identify. The name will appear on screen and you can also tap to learn more about it, whether it's a star, constellation, planet or nebula.
Conversely, you can also use the app to find specific objects in the sky. Want to view Uranus at opposition this Nov. 25 but aren't sure where to look? Search for it in Sky Tonight and the app will point you to it.
Identifiying stars from photographs
Sky Walk 2 lets you rewind and advance time, showing you where stars and other objects were or will be on that date. (Image credit: Future)
Being able to identify night sky objects in the field is a real boon, but what if you've already taken a photograph and want to identify which stars were visible?
That's where apps like Sky Walk 2come in. If possible, you should return to the location where the photograph was taken, but if that's not possible, you can input GPS co-ordinates and Sky Walk 2 will show you the view from that location.
Next, using the clock icon and slider, alter the date to the exact time you took the photograph (or as near as possible). You will then be shown the night sky as it was at the time. You can now tap on the star or stars you want to identify and Sky Walk 2 will tell you the name.
Sky Walk 2 isn't the only app to offer such a facility, but in Sky Walk 2's case this feature is present in the free version of the app.
Finding dark sky sites
As Earth's population continues to grow, so does the problem of light pollution, so seeking out dark sky sites is essential for the best experience. (Image credit: Inigo Cia via Getty Images)
It's a sad fact that light pollution has made it harder for astronomers to study the night sky. While the planets in our solar system are still visible, sky glow obscures more distant objects, such as fainter stars.
You could travel to a dark sky reserve but, with the aid of one of several stargazing apps, it is also possible to find dark sky sites closer to home.
Apps like Sky Safari and the simply named Light Pollution Map will show you the light pollution levels locally and globally, estimated on the Bortle scale. The latter app colors the map, with pink the most light pollution and black the least.
In just a few seconds you can find out how light polluted your local area is, and use the map to find a location nearby where the sky is dark, or at least darker.
Planning a stargazing trip
Sky Safari 7 Pro is a stargazing app that will help you choose what you want to see and where. (Image credit: Jamie Carter)
Are you planning a stargazing trip? Then you'll be happy to hear there's an app for that. There are several, in fact, but Sky Safarihas all you need to plan your next outing. You can create observation lists, find out when and where objects are visible, and while it won't book your tickets for you, it comes close.
Our reviewer Jamie Carter used the app to plan his observations of conjunctions, specific moon views and astrophotography opportunities. Coupled with its light pollution map, it will be a huge help in putting together an itinerary for your skywatching trip.
Troubleshooting stargazing apps
Hopefully you'll have a smooth experience, but if you're having issues, here are a few things to try.
Take your phone out of its case. Magnetic clasps can interfere with internal sensors.
Make sure location services are enabled. Many apps use GPS to show you the correct view.
Check your phone's clock. If your clock is not set accurately, apps may display an incorrect sky
Swoop your phone in a figure eight motion. This can help calibrate your phone's "compass".
Make sure you have a signal, and that data is enabled. Unless the app has an offline mode you will still need a connection. Signal may be poor at dark sky sites.
Check each app's permissions. Location aside, Augmented Reality (AR) stargazing apps will need camera access.
Light pollution is the astronomer's biggest enemy, especially if you're gazing into deep space. And while some of the best telescopes can make a difference, there's no way to eliminate it. That's why, if you want to observe the cosmos without obstruction, you need to seek out darker skies, get a smart telescope or combine the two.
You don't have to book a flight to a dark sky reserve; just traveling away from suburbia can be enough. That's where portable telescopes come in. Set one up in a field, for example, and you'll get a vastly improved view of the cosmos. Galaxies, nebulas and other deep space objects become more detailed when they're not washed out by skyglow.
We've picked out six telescopes you can take on the road: Some, such as the DwarfLab Dwarf Mini,are small enough you could even put them in a backpack and hop on your bicycle.
All but one are smart telescopes, meaning that when you do get to your desired location, you can pick from a list of stellar sights to home in on. And while they may be portable, they're powerful with it.
Are you stuck for an outfit this spooky season? We've got you covered with our round-up of the best space themed Halloween costumes. Let's face it, even if there aren't any haunted spaceships out there, the vastness of the void is enough to give us the chills.
From Aliens to Star Wars, these costumes are sure to make you stand out, get the conversation flowing and maybe even raise a chuckle or two. And if you're a regular convention-goer, many of these costumes can double as cosplay outfits.
Surprise and shock friends and family with this Alien costume, which makes you an unfortunate member of the ill-fated Nostromo crew, complete with a 3D chestburster Alien tearing its way out of your torso. The gruesome t-shirt alone is enough to turn heads.
Who doesn't love pretending they're in Star Wars? With this Jedi outfit, you can do just that this Halloween. Pair it with a lightsaber and people may have to do a double-take.
I used to love watching Star Trek with my Grandad on a Saturday afternoon and finding this shirt brings back memories. For fans of the Original Series, this is a must-have for Halloween.
This is a little obvious, I know, but I still think it's a great outfit for women to wear on Halloween. Plus, who can argue that Princess Leia isn't cool? Why not celebrate a strong woman this Halloween and become her for the day?
What is Halloween without someone dressing up as a villain? That could be your child this year with this great Darth Vader costume, including everything they need to become evil for the day.
If you have little ones who want to go trick-or-treating this Halloween and are fans of space, this is the perfect costume for them to wear. As it's a slip-on and slip-off costume, it makes getting ready and out the door a whole lot easier, too.
The best space and sci-fi themed Halloween costumes we recommend in 2026
The best overall
Amazon
Aliens chestbuster crew costume
A wonderfully gruesome Halloween costume that's instantly recognizable
Price: $79.99 | Materials: Cotton/poly/latex | Available sizes: Small to XL | Color options: One color
Realistic
Officially licensed memorabilia
Just the t-shirt is enough
Trousers are not movie-accurate
Not suitable for those with a latex allergy
As sci-fi horror goes, it doesn't get more disturbing than Alien's infamous chestburster scene and now you can cosplay as one of the Nostromo's unfortunate crewmembers, complete with an alien emerging from your torso.
Admittedly, no one in the movie actually wore beige pants, so there's an inaccuracy there, which is odd given this is an officially licensed Alien costume. But the 3D chestburster, a wonderfully gruesome latex model attached to the outfit's t-shirt, more than makes up for that.
In fact, if you're in a hurry, you can forget about the rest of the costume and just slip on the t-shirt; between the creature on your chest and the Nostromo badge on your shoulder, there'll be no mistaking your outfit. And if you're looking for a couples costume, you can snag this Ellen Ripley jumpsuit.
A great Halloween and cosplay outfit for fans of the Star Wars saga.
Price: $74.99 to $89.99 | Materials: Cotton | Available sizes: Medium to 3XL, gender neutral design and fit | Color options: Brown/beige, white/beige, black
Cosplay outfit
Detailed design
Gender neutral fit
Expensive for a Halloween costume
This outfit may not bear the official Star Wars name but any fan of the saga will recognize it as the iconic robes of a Jedi, as worn by Obi-Wan Kenobi and virtually every light side wielder of the Force.
This cotton costume has plenty of detail and comes with a set of faux leather pouches, and they're unisex, so you can cosplay as whichever pre-Order 66 Jedi you want. Just add one of the best lightsabers.
But what's especially cool about this outfit is that it can be worn in a variety of ways. The tunic, trousers and cloak are all separate pieces, so you can leap into battle or slip the cloak over your head and lurk in a corner, looking all mysterious.
Those who've purchased this outfit praise its quality, in particular the thickness of the fabric. And if you lean more towards the Dark Side, there's a black Sith version as well.
For anyone with a soft spot for Star Trek: The Original Series.
Price: $49.80 - $58.59 | Materials : Polyester | Available sizes: Small to X-Large, men's only | Color options: Gold
Nostalgic
Simple and fuss-free
Create the whole crew
Embroidery could be better
Sizing can be tricky
Hand wash only
I used to love watching the Original Series with my Grandad on a weekend. I have no idea how old I was but I have fond memories of those times and the many hours spent trying to learn how to do the Vulcan salute. If you're a fan of the Original Series like me, or just the original of anything Sci-Fi, this might be the Halloween costume for you.
Captain Kirk's shirt is a super simple and fuss-free Halloween costume. People will instantly recognize the striking color and design as being that of Captain Kirk. Combining it with a pair of dark pants will really set this costume off.
One great thing about this item is that it's not only a great Halloween costume choice but also an officially licensed product, meaning it's trademarked and authentic — ideal for true Star Trek fans as an item they can keep and wear again and again. Plus, there is the option of creating the full crew with family or friends, with the women's Starfleet dresses also being available.
It's important to note that the product listing advises customers to look at the sizing chart, rather than ordering based on your known sizes. Some people found the fit to be right, while others had to return it and order another size. To avoid this, it's best to consult the size chart. Reviewers also mentioned that the embroidery can be hit and miss, especially around the emblem.
Regardless of this, I think, for the money, this is a decent Halloween costume that will spark memories for those who grew up with the Original Series.
One for the women — become a powerful princess for a day.
Price: $45.99 (with wig) | Materials: Cloth and PU leather | Available sizes: Small to 3X-large, women only | Color options: White
Full costume
Machine washable
Versatile costume
Cannot tumble dry
No reviews
This Princess Leia costume is a great option for any Halloween parties you might be attending this year. Whether you're a Star Wars fan or not, this outfit is a classic and allows you to feel like a powerful princess while you're wearing it. You can purchase it with and without the wig — if you buy the wig, there will be no mistaking who you are. It's a simple outfit yet one that everyone will recognize. The attention to detail is good, with it mimicking the outfit worn in the films pretty accurately. So, even if you don't purchase the wig, most people will probably guess who you are dressed up as.
Made from cloth and synthetic leather, this costume can be worn by vegans too, so there are no exclusions there. It comes with the belt and, apparently, true-to-size sizing. However, there are no customer reviews for us to be sure whether this is the case or not. It may be a good idea to use the measurements provided to get the right size for you.
The best thing about dressing up as Princess Leia on Halloween? You have a fancy dress outfit ready for other parties, too. Plus, if you're into cosplay, you have your next outfit sorted. And, while some fancy dress outfits are a pain to clean, this costume is machine washable so there's no faff with hand washing. The only thing to be aware of is that it's not suitable for the tumble dryer.
Overall, this is a recognizable and classic choice for Halloween this year. However, if this doesn't feel like the right costume choice for you, you could consider other options in this guide.
A brilliantly silly costume that's sure to grab everyone's attention
Price: $41.99 | Materials: Polyester | Available sizes: Adult | Color options: None
Looks excellent
Sure to make people laugh
Auto-inflates
Requires batteries or powerbank
May need help putting it on
This inflatable spaceship costume takes the famously cheesy fake leg outfit and updates it to the space age. Put it on, let it inflate and everyone will think you're literally flying around the room!
Okay, maybe they won't be entirely convinced, but this ridiculous costume, with its dangling inflatable 'legs', will get you plenty of laughs and attention. Why not combine it with the kid-friendly rocket costume to create a family costume?
It inflates and stays inflated via the use of a battery pack, though some purchasers report you can also use a power bank. Its Amazon reviews are mostly positive, with the only real gripe being that you may need help to put it on.
A classic villain costume that kids will love to show off.
Price: $29.99 | Materials: Poly jersey and plastic | Available sizes: X-Small to Large, children's only | Color options: One color, black
Instantly recognisable
Full costume at a bargain price
Good quality
Sizing runs small
Chest padding received mixed reviews
Only available in children's sizes
Another recognisable costume that needs no introduction. What child doesn't love dressing up as the bad guy? And you can't get more iconic than Darth Vader.
This Darth Vader outfit comes with the helmet, cape, boots and gloves, so there's no need for further shopping with your little one to complete their outfit. Should they find the helmet uncomfortable to wear, for example, an added benefit is that the helmet, gloves and cape are detachable should your child decide they prefer to wear it without.
The reviews note it's good quality and durable, with many children enjoying wearing this costume. Durability is definitely something you need for little ones so this gets a thumbs up. One review noted that, although the material was good quality, it was thin, so this might be something to bear in mind if you live in a colder climate. Some reviews stated that the costume was large in places, such as the gloves and cape, whereas others say the sizing was spot on, or even on the smaller side. This may be down to personal preference but it seems getting the right size might prove difficult.
While being a pretty cool Halloween choice for kids, it's also an officially licensed product from Marvel. There's some jealousy that this isn't available in adult sizes...
Altogether, this is a great kid's costume for Halloween that's beyond reasonably priced. You can't go wrong.
The perfect space-themed costume for your little ones.
Price: $32.99 | Materials: Polyester | Available sizes: Small to X-Large, children's only | Color options: One color
Simple to put on
Quirky and cute
Lightweight material
Need to source silver shirt
Slightly pricey
This rocket costume will light up your child's Halloween. Whether you've got a girl or a boy, this costume is unisex in sizing and design, so it can be enjoyed by any little one. It's super simple to get your little one ready for Halloween — the rocket slides over their clothes. That's it. However, something to note is that it doesn't come with the silver shirt, so you would need to source this yourself if you want to match the rocket. That's the same for the bottoms — you would need to source orange bottoms to match the flames, if that's what you wanted to do.
Users note the material is good quality and that it's lightweight, meaning it doesn't interrupt playtime. One reviewer noted that it arrived crinkled after being in the packaging and advised removing it and letting it hang for a while before wearing. Another reviewer noted they bought it for their older child but the sizing was tight. Therefore, it seems this is a costume best suited to younger children, probably toddlers or up to five or six years old.
One of the benefits of buying a space-themed Halloween costume is that it's not only relevant at Halloween. Your child can enjoy this costume throughout the year or even use it during playtime with friends. There are multiple uses for it and that somewhat counteracts the slightly higher price for effectively an incomplete outfit (as you have to source the top and trousers yourself).
Overall, this is a quirky and cute alternative to Halloween for your little ones to enjoy, especially if they are interested in space.
There are plenty of star projectors out there; I should know, I've got four sitting on my shelves, including two Astronaut Starry Sky projectors (don't ask). But what if you want a projector that shows you the real cosmos? That's where the Pococo Galaxy Projector comes in and, thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event, it's cheaper than ever.
You can get the Pococo Galaxy Projector on sale at Amazon for just $76 — the cheapest we have ever seen it!
Instead of projecting random stars, the Pococo Galaxy Projector uses projection discs to fill the room with gorgeous, sharp images of planets, galaxies and much more. It's relaxing and educational with it, ideal for kindling an interest in space and space travel.
Galaxy Projector: was $100 now $76 This scientifically accurate star projector is at its lowest-ever price, which offers clear, sharp images of the real universe. It comes with two discs but you can buy additional image packs. View Deal
Want to save even more money? Visit our Amazon Prime Deal hub, where we bring you the best Prime Big Deal Days offers.
We rank this Pococo Galaxy Projector as the best value rechargeable star projector and for good reason. Using a projection disc system, it puts out gorgeous, clear images of the cosmos, rather than the randomized stars some cheaper projectors offer.
And yet, despite its sub-$100 price point (just $76 with this Prime Big Deal Days offer), it matches the performance of other, pricier projectors such as the Sega Homestar Classic and better yet, it's the lowest price we have ever seen it.
In our review of the Pococo Galaxy Star Projector, we awarded it four stars, seriously impressed with the quality of its images and its overall functionality (though it lacks remote or app support). It comes with two discs, but you can buy packs of additional discs for a reasonable price.
With its 12-square-meter projection area, it'll turn any small to mid-sized room into a home planetarium. Whether it's relaxation, education or both you're after, the Pococo Galaxy Projector is a galactically good buy, especially at this price.
Key features: 12 sq m projection surface, sleep timer, 157x120x120 mm, rechargeable, includes 2 image discs, expansion packs available.
Product launched: December 2022.
Price history: We've seen this model discounted on Black Friday and Prime Day, but $76 is the cheapest it's ever been.
Reviews consensus: We awarded this projector four stars in our Pococo Galaxy Projector review, praising its image quality and remarking that it "Gives the best star projectors we've tested a run for their money." Its Amazon reviews are also positive, with just a handful saying it could be a little brighter.
✅ Buy it if: You want a star projector that projects actual, realistic images of the universe, making it suitable for relaxation of education.
❌ Don't buy it if: You want long-distance control over your projector; the Pococo has no remote control or app support.
Unlike some of the competition, the Pococo Galaxy Projector's expansion discs are reasonably priced. Tantse WalterTantse WalterTantse WalterTantse Walter
There's only one catch to this deal, as well as the others detailed in our Amazon Prime Big Deal Days guide. You'll have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of it, but it's well worth signing up for this subscription service. You'll be able to take advantage of these Prime Big Deal Days prices, as well as free delivery, and access to Amazon Prime Video (one of the best value streaming services).
It'll cost you $14.99 monthly (you can cancel any time) or $139 annually. If you've not had Prime before, however, you should be able to take advantage of Prime's free 30-day trial. That's more than enough time to make the most of these offers.
To sign up you need to have or create an Amazon account, then:
If you've already had Prime in the past, you'll need to re-subscribe from your account settings, but chances are you'll save more than you spend on the subscription.
Want to take the effort out of watching and capturing the night sky? This Dwarflab Dwarf Mini smart telescope is just what you need, with the bonus that it's portable enough that you can pack it away to escape the curse of light pollution. Now it's $60 off in Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event, the cheapest it's ever been. However, with limited stock, you'll have to be fast.
Expert Jamie Carter sang this scope's praises in his Dwarflab Dwarf Mini review, saying that it offers "A tempting combination of portability, automation and surprisingly capable astrophotography performance."
Since it lacks a screen, you will need a smartphone or tablet to control it but with a solar filter included, it offers excellent nighttime and daytime results, especially if you're sharing your images with fellow smartphone or tablet users. However, if you want 4K images, consider the ZWO Seestar S50 Pro.
Dwarf Mini: was $399 now $339 Save $60 on this super-portable smart telescope, just the right size to transport to a less light-polluted area, though it handles skyglow surprisingly well. View Deal
Want to save more on skywatching gear and technology? Visit our Amazon Prime Deal hub, where we bring you the best Prime Big Deal Days offers.
The Dwarflab Mini is portable enough that you can take it anywhere.Jamie CarterJamie CarterJamie CarterJamie CarterJamie Carter
Despite being about the size of a small milk carton, the Dwarflab Dwarf Mini packs a lot in, including a four-hour battery and an EQ tracking mode which, coupled with its magnetic solar filter, could prove invaluable for capturing the solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027. Naturally, it'll also track deep sky objects and even if travel isn't an option, it handles local light pollution surprisingly well.
Expert Jamie awarded it four stars in our Dwarflab Dwarf Mini review, praising how it made capturing the night sky essentially effortless. You can couple it with one of the best tripods but you can put it more or less anywhere with a view of the night sky, as long as the controlling device (your tablet or smartphone) is in range.
Its field of view is enough to capture objects in our own solar system. And for objects bigger than its FOV, Dwarflab Dwarf's mosaic feature stitches individual images together to give you a full picture. The only real negative, aside from the lack of a tripod, is that its 2MP sensor means the images it takes are best shared on a smartphone; show on a large screen or attempt to zoom in for editing and you'll likely notice artifacts.
Key features: 1.180-inch (30 mm) aperture, 150 mm focal length, field of view 50.59 x 45.06 degrees (wide)/2.5 x 2.14 degrees (telephoto), 7.24-in × 3.94-in × 2.4-in in size, Alt-Az/EQ mount, 64GB storage, 7,000 mAh / 4 hrs battery, smartphone or tablet required.
Product launched: January 2026
Price history: The Dwarflab Dwarf Mini has never been cheaper; this is a major reduction, even though it only launched in January.
Reviews consensus: In our Dwarflab Dwarf Mini review, expert Jamie said it "Makes capturing the deep sky and the solar system almost effortless," awarding it four stars. He did note that its 2MP sensor means the images it produces are best suited to sharing on smartphones.
Like the other deals featured in our Amazon Prime Big Deal Days hub, you have to be an Amazon Prime member to get this deal. However, if you've never had Prime before, or never had an Amazon account before, you may be able to take sign up for a free 30-day trial.
Beyond that offer, Prime will cost you $14.99 monthly (you can cancel any time) or $139 annually. But you're not just paying for access to these deals; you get free delivery, access to Amazon Prime Video (one of the best value streaming services for sci-fi fans), Amazon's Luna game streaming service and more.
Disney's Marvel movies have had their ups and downs, but James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy has never missed. Now, thanks to this deal, you can get 40% off this Lego version of Baby Rocket Raccoon's Ship, as seen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. However, you'll have to hurry as this set has been retired by Lego and is selling fast.
Put together this 330-piece set and you have a blocky replica of the vessel that Rocket Raccoon used to make his escape from—well, that would be getting into spoiler territory. But if you're a fan of this fuzzy little guy, you will want this Lego Marvel Baby Rocket Raccoon's Ship on your shelf. Just remember, this is a retired Lego set so when it's gone it's gone.
Save $14 on this play-friendly Lego Marvel Baby Rocket Raccoon's Ship set. With 330 pieces it's an easy afternoon's build, and the included Baby Rocket figure is so cute it should be illegal under intergalactic law. You will have to hurry, though, this set is retired and likely to sell out. View Deal
This Lego Marvel Baby Rocket Raccoon's ship isn't just a fun build, it's great to play with too. (Image credit: Lego)
Alongside the usual interstellar shenanigans, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 revealed the origin story of Rocket Raccoon. This Lego model, which comes with an utterly adorable model of Baby Rocket, captures one of the most dramatic moments of the film, Rocket's escape from his captor. And if you're fast, you can grab this Lego Marvel Baby Rocket's Ship at a bargain price.
Made up of 330 pieces and for builders aged 8 years and up, this should only take you a couple of hours to build, maybe longer for little fingers. It's a seriously striking ship, and is sure to entertain Guardians of the Galaxy fans of all ages. Aside from Baby Rocket, it also comes with a minifigure of grown-up Rocket Raccoon, both of which can be perched in the opening cockpit.
Pilot's seat aside, there are several other play-friendly features. You can also lower the landing gear and given how light it is, you or younger builders can swoosh this striking ship around the house. Why not make up your own Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4? Maybe you can catch up with Doctor Doom and prevent Avengers: Doomsday from happening.
You will need to hurry, though, because this set has been retired by Lego and this could be your last chance to get your hands on it, outside of paying double or triple the price on eBay. And for more MCU builds, we have rounded up the best Lego Marvel sets.
Key features: 330 pieces, for builders age 8+, Baby Rocket and Rocket Raccoon minifigures, 9 × 4.5 × 2.6 in. / 23 × 11 × 7 cm size.
Launched: April 2023
Price history: This set has dropped to $25 in the past when other retailers were selling their stock off, but this is the cheapest we've seen it at.
Reviews consensus: Over at Walmart, this set's reviews are almost universally positive, praising it as a fun, straightforward build, with some of the praise coming from non-Marvel fans. At this price, you really can't go wrong.
✅ Buy it if: You want an easy-to-build, entertaining set that not only looks great on a shelf, it's fun to play with too.
Looking for a quality camera that marries style and performance? Look no further than the Nikon Zf. Despite its vintage looks, it's one of the best Nikon cameras you can buy and with its excellent low-light performance, we also rank it as one of the best astrophotography cameras. Now, thanks to this deal, it's the cheapest it's been since last year's Black Friday.
In our Nikon Zf review, our expert called it "A great buy that offers excellent value for money when compared with some of the much more expensive Nikon models." Now less than $1,800, this is a steal for astrophotographers and photographers in general.
Save $453 on this impressively capable Nikon Zf camera. It isn't just a great low-light performer, it's an excellent all-rounder. Its retro-aesthetic is a bonus for those who miss the look and feel of film cameras. View Deal
Couple the Nikon Zf with a suitable lens and you've got a camera that excels at astrophotography. FutureFutureFutureFutureFuture
What's not to love about this Nikon Zf camera? We ranked it as the best camera under $2,000, before inflation pushed it past that price point, and this deal makes it the cheapest it's been since last Black Friday.
Not only does this full-frame mirrorless camera offer excellent low-light performance, so much so that we think it's one of the best cameras for astrophotography, it's a brilliant all-rounder too.
In their Nikon Zf review, expert Jase Parnell-Brookes awarded it four-and-a-half stars, discovering that its strengths go far beyond its vintage stylings, remarking that "It delivered an impressive dynamic range and performed well in various lighting scenarios."
And, while you can point and shoot, the Nikon Zf is packed with controls designed to enhance your experience. From changing the ISO and ISO sensitivity, through to switch to black-and-white mode, you have complete control over your images. That much choice may seem daunting but the buttons and dials are intuitive enough that using them becomes second nature.
There are Nikon cameras out there that can beat its 24.5 MP images, but you'd have to spend significantly more. The Nikon Z8, for example, is over half as much again. If you want to make your money count, the Nikon Zf is the camera to buy. However, you'll have to hurry if you want to make the most of this deal. As we write this, there are just a handful of units left in stock.
Key features: 24.5 MP FX CMOS Sensor, Z mount, 100-64000 (expandable to 204,800) ISO, 4K UHD 30p video, 1 lb 9.1 oz / 710 g weight, 1SD UHS-II + MicroSD UHS-I card slots.
Product launched: September 2023
Price history: This is the cheapest this camera has been all year. It last dropped to around this price last Black Friday.
Reviews consensus: Reviewing theNikon Zf, we awarded it four-and-a-half stars praising, in particular, its low light performance and how it stacks up to Nikon's more expensive cameras. We were also impressed by its vintage appearance, replicating the look of a film camera. Its Amazon reviews are just as positive, with just a few purchaser complaining about its weight.
