In theory, yes. Most of the star projectors in this guide are AC mains-powered or DC-powered through USB ports, so as long as they're plugged in, they can run. Some, however, are battery-powered, meaning you run the risk of the battery running out overnight.

🔎 BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve The nebulas are bright and endearing, complimented perfectly by the hue of the blue/green lasers. This is a great option for anyone shopping for an aesthetic star projector rather than a scientific one. ★★★½

Bestdarker lighting

Now that we’re post-equinox, the days are more dark than light, and I’m feeling that in my bones. The light in my house is muddy, and the air feels stale. Where there is sunlight, it’s low and direct, serving only to highlight the dirt on my windows and the fur of dust on my furniture. It’s strange how a change in the season can leave everything feeling unclean. It’s as though the bright summer light bleaches everything.

Darker lightingceiling

If you're struggling to choose, we were particularly impressed by the simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis. There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system, but the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery are the ones that really stand out. The North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission are fascinating. For a different kind of skywatching, you can buy discs that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival.

In high summer it’s hard to ever catch the full light of the moon, as the sky darkens so late. In winter, the moon feels like a constant companion, shining through late afternoons and into the long, velvety nights. The cold months are a wonderful time to get to know the moon, and to really appreciate the extraordinary brightness she offers. You can check the phases on an app if you like, or just put on your coat and step outside. And when the moon is absent, those crisp, inky nights offer the best stars of the year.

❌ You want it to be scientifically accurate: This projector is for adding atmosphere and projecting pretty colors rather than providing any kind of scientific accuracy.

Shine a light on sensitive data located in shadow data repositories to lower the risk of exposure. Reduced Compliance Costs. Automate complex privacy tasks ...

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

In the mornings, I get up before sunrise and walk around the murky house lighting a minimal number of lamps. At dawn, I turn them off again. I have a hatred of light bulbs. I dislike their yellowness, the way they make the whole house look tawdry. I will only switch on the ceiling lights as a last resort, which is a routine source of marital conflict in our house. H, who is utterly unbothered by the ugly wash of a pendant light, will simply flick the light switch when he walks into a room. I will follow him, turning it off. He finds it mystifying that I prefer gloom to light. I accuse him of wanting to live in a supermarket.

This projector is battery-powered, so you don't need it connected to the mains in order to use it. It makes it easier to place it in an optimal place around the room. There's also a 3.5mm jack cable provided in the box which allows you to connect an audio device to it, allowing you to play music or the radio while enjoying the stars.

Light is precious, and we can’t take it for granted. Even when days are short, try to spend some time outside every single day, even if this just means stepping outside your front door, or opening a window. If you can, hold walking meetings outdoors rather than in stuffy boardrooms, eat lunch outside, and try to exercise outdoors too. Drink in the thin light that’s being offered, rather than cursing the darkness.

Whenever I’ve travelled to Scandinavia, I’ve noticed that candles are used in a very distinct way. They are not treated as special or romantic, but as an everyday accessory, part of the ordinary workings of the home. In particular, candles are lit early, burning through grey mornings and dull afternoons. They do not seem to be there to illuminate anything, but instead to offer warmth and contrast to the blue winter light. It’s changed the way I use candles in my house, and I commend this to you all.

It's important to check the manual that comes with your star projector before you leave it running for extended periods of time, as some models may become hot after prolonged use. Always resort to the manual if in doubt and follow the instructions.

For the past couple of years, I’ve put up my Christmas lights early, making my front garden twinkle from November. I don’t take them down until Candlemas in February. This is because: well, why not? I’ve given up worrying whether it’s tacky. It makes the dark evenings feel friendlier and delights passing children. That’s all I need to know.

While it's not a scientifically accurate star projector, the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector is packed full of great features.

As you can probably assume from its price point, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector is not a scientifically accurate projector. What it is, however, is a fun light show in a novelty package. While it might not provide an introduction to real-world nebulas and star systems, it does produce a fantastic display of light and colour, one that we think makes a great gift for any age.

If you think a friend or loved one would enjoy The Clearing by Katherine May, gift subscriptions are available here | Website | Buy: Enchantment UK /US | Buy: Wintering UK / US | Buy: The Electricity of Every Living Thing UK / US

Bring the cosmos indoors for less with our top picks of the best Black Friday star projector deals. All models we recommend are fully reviewed, tested and rated.

Most of the star projectors in this guide are available to buy from Amazon. You can find links underneath each product review that will take you to recommended merchants' websites, including Amazon.

Apricity - meaning the warmth of the winter sun - is a wonder in itself, and not a poor substitute for ‘true’ sunbathing. On sunny winter days, I seek out direct sunlight, something I’d never do in summer. The winter sun is gentle and sparkling, capable of warming your cheeks even if the rest of you is encased in a coat, scarf and hat. One of my favourite things to do on a blue sky winter day is to sit in my car and feel the warmth of the sun through the windscreen, closing my eyes to enjoy the golden glow through my lids. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.

✅ You want to pair it with music: We were impressed with the musical rhythm mode, where the lights flash and dance along to the beat of the music.

✅ You want a gift for a child: It features a novelty astronaut design that's primarily aimed at children, though in our experience, adults love it too!

To operate the BlissLights Starport, simply plug it into to a USB power source, and sit back and enjoy the show. It fills the room with hundreds of laser stars which look absolutely beautiful. Unlike other devices on this list, however, there are no customization options and, unsurprisingly, it's not scientifically accurate.

The most realistic star projector, it projects bright, detailed images of the real night sky. This is a premium projector for all ages.

Each star projector is tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each star projector and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a top-of-the-range star projector from one of the largest producers of star projectors to a make-your-own kit made from cardboard wouldn't be appropriate, though each star projector might be the best-performing product in its own class, and that is how we've categorized them in this guide.

❌ The price is too high: This is another star projector where the price fluctuates wildly — we've seen it priced anywhere from $10 to $100. We'd be happy paying anything under $35 for it.

If in doubt, check the laser classification on the device before purchasing and check it against the FDA rules, or a relevant health and safety body in your region.

Best telescopes: top picks for viewing the cosmos Best telescopes for beginnersBest binoculars for stargazingBest cameras for astrophotography

For some, the lack of winter light will cause serious mental and physical difficulties, and if that’s you, don’t dismiss or diminish it. Winter doesn’t have to be a season of suffering. Some of the ideas above might help, but there are also a range of other therapies available - talk to your doctor. There’s an excellent guide here from UK mental-health charity Mind. Even if you don’t feel that your suffering is severe, consider taking steps to stay happy and well during winter - for example, because I live in a northern climate, I take a daily Vitamin D supplement in autumn and winter  as recommended by the NHS.

While it's tempting to dismiss low-cost objects that go viral on TikTok, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector proved us wrong. In our Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector review, we were pleasantly surprised by how well made it was, and it ticked all the boxes a fun, novelty star projector should.

🔎 Sega Toys Homestar Flux Great for recreating a realistic-looking night sky inside. It's on the pricier end of the market, but the option to upgrade your disc collection is attractive. The night sky representation is about as realistic as it gets. ★★★★½

The Homestar Flux operates with a disc system which allows you to change which parts of the night sky you're viewing. Two Northern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere Constellations (which includes labeled constellations) discs come included with the Homestar Flux, but many more are available to purchase separately. There are 30 discs available for around $18 each when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store.

However, it's worth noting that some models include small flashes of light and swirling light patterns, so they may not be suitable for babies with light sensitivities or conditions like epilepsy. If in doubt, consult your doctor or local physician before using them.

The Imperial Probe Droid is one of the best Lego Star Wars sets we have reviewed and you can now pick it up for a low price

2020128 — Guide: Replacing High Intensity Outdoor Lights with LED Worried about the dangers dark spots pose on your property?

The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector is USB rechargeable. It can also be adjusted to four angles, so it's flexible enough to project onto both the walls or ceilings.

October’s book club will feature Kaitlin Curtice talking about her book, Living Resistance - there’s a reading guide here. Do join us live if you can, and log-on details will be sent via Chat.

Darker lightingled

🔎 Encalife Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector: A neat combination of a star projector and Bluetooth speaker built into one. It isn't scientifically accurate but it displays vivid nebula-inspired patterns to enhance the ambience in any room. ★★★½

When you’re lighting your home, it’s easy to think that the more light, the better. But artificial light will always feel ersatz, no matter how bright. Lamplight is your friend. Work with the nature of the light at this time of year, creating cosy pools of illumination in dark corners, rather than trying to eradicate darkness altogether. Spend some time thinking about the course of natural light at this time of year - when does it enter your house, and in what room? I have a good friend who moves around her furniture each winter, so that she can make the most of the short hours of natural light. This is probably extreme, but you could move a chair into a patch of afternoon sun.

Lighting winter is an art and a daily practice, an act of survival and a gesture of love. Here are 10 ideas for fighting the gloom in the dark half of the year.

Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of A Stargazing Program For Beginners, and is a senior contributor at Forbes. His special skill is turning tech-babble into plain English.

🔎 Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector: Although it is called a Galaxy Star Projector, like most others, this is a pleasant mood-setting light, showing colors and patterns that reflect galaxies and nebulas rather than an accurate starry sky. ★★★★

The faceted dome shape means the lights can be projected and dispersed over 180-degrees, so the entire ceiling is covered with lights. You'll need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you start using the projector, which is easy enough to do, and then you'll be up and running in no time.

The different color scheme does at least make the Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium look more grown-up and of a better quality. It's swapped out the bright yellows of the National Geographic planetarium for a more premium-looking silver, which is much less conspicuous-looking, particularly if you're using this as an adult.

🔎 BlissLights Starport USB star projector A pocketable device for adding instant ambiance to parties, gaming rooms, music studios or spas, this could very loosely be considered a star projector. ★★★½

This projector is very easy to control thanks to the three buttons on its body: Power, rotation and sleep timer. It's set apart from other star projectors on the market by its rechargeable battery. It can be charged with a USB-C cable and, since you don't have to have it plugged in when in use, it's great for using in different locations. It's also made of recycled materials, another thing that should please environmentally-conscious buyers.

🔎The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector does what it's supposed to do — it projects high-quality imagery onto any surface to immerse you in the wonders of what the universe has to offer, maintaining a static picture or slowly rotating the image. ★★★★

For those who want to use them as night lights, many star projectors come with a 'sleep timer' that will switch the device off after a specified amount of minutes.

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best star projectors to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every star projector through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each star projector is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as a star projector and whether it provides accurate night sky imagery.

❌ You want it to have a speaker: If you want a star projector that features a speaker, you'll have to look at other options.

Perhaps the most striking new feature is the addition of a 'twinkle plate' which gives the illusion of twinkling stars and adds a lot of depth to the visual experience. The star projector also comes with sounds included, which is a nice added bonus but by no means a necessity considering the amount of free sleep sounds you can source from streaming platforms.

This projector isn't scientifically accurate but it displays vivid nebula-inspired patterns to enhance the ambience in any room.

This projector is less expensive than the more premium options by Sega Toys, but it still comes with two projection discs: one showing 8,000 stars and another featuring guidelines for major constellations. You also get an accurate view of what you'll see for the time of day you're using it, which adds to the authenticity and its educational qualities.

🔎 The Sega Toys Homestar Matataki is a more 'high-tech' version of its predecessor, introducing the magical twinkling star effect and adding sounds to its light displays. It's a great premium option if your budget extends to it. ★★★★½

Perhaps one of the best things about the BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve is how silently it operates, making the experience a truly relaxing one and allowing you to focus on the stars. It also makes use of a patented color-blending technology, which means instead of using solid color blocks, its four LED lamps are capable of providing a broader range of colour options. This results in softer blended colors and a beautiful, almost pastel-like palette, contributing to the calming atmosphere.

We look at how easy each star projector is to operate, test out all their functions to see if they are effective and work as advertised. We check that the projections are good, that the build quality is fit for purpose and make suggestions for the most appropriate use of each unit.

I wish you all a glowing autumn, and a sparkling winter. Let me know in the comments how you use light in the darker months.

The Deep Space Home Planetarium is ideal for children aged six and over. It's an educational projector meant to initiate kids about space, but it's worth noting that it is not scientifically accurate. It does however come with changeable discs showing official NASA images of nebulas, spacecrafts, astronauts, planets and the moon taken by the Hubble Telescope.

Compared to the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, the Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector has fewer lighting modes, but we don't see it as a drawback. It provides four colors (blue, green, white and red) which you can blend using the remote control included. You can also adjust the brightness according to your preference.

Considering the mediocre packaging, we were pleasantly surprised by how sturdy this star projector's construction was. The unit is well-built, and we found the lights bright enough to create a very pleasant atmosphere bound to enhance any party.

One of the most reasonably-priced star projector STEM toys for budding astronomers who want a glimpse of the night sky at home.

Pre-installed wire terminals and fuses simplify the connection process. Seamless Milwaukee Battery Compatibility - This versatile adapter is designed for ...

Darker lightingideas

The National Geographic Astro Planetarium is pleasantly easy to use: Simply rotate the image and use the big focus wheel to get the clearest projection. We've found the optics in this star projector to be rather impressive: They come from Bresser, a German brand known for making high-quality binoculars, telescopes and microscopes.

Better suited to mood lighting, the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy shows patterns and colors that mimic galaxies and nebulas but are not terms scientifically accurate.

The downside of the Pococo's design is you only have 30 degrees of movement to shine the lights, which is considerably less than some of its competitors, but not a deal breaker if you only intent to shine it at the ceiling.

If you're looking for a star projector for children to teach them about the night sky, the Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium is the best choice.

In our National Geographic Astro Planetarium review, we found this high-quality indoor planetarium offers true-to-life projections of the starry night sky at great price.

For those of us who live far from the equator, the year is in constant flux. It’s only in the past century or so that we’ve been able to live exactly the same life regardless of the season. And yet, despite all our efforts with heating systems and light bulbs, we still feel the pull of winter on our minds and bodies. Winter light invites us to sleep differently, to rest more, to retreat, reflect and contemplate. This cyclical way of life helps us to find balance across the course of the year. We cause ourselves real pain when we resist it.

This projector has 16.7 million colors to choose from and adjustable brightness settings, and it's compatible with Android and iOS.

✅ You want to explore the skies: There are plenty of discs available for this projector, all of which are scientifically accurate. Most of them are NASA-based imagery.

Its sleek black color blends in with many home decors, and it can also function as a music player, allowing you to listen to your favorite music or atmospheric sounds as you watch the celestial shadows dance across the ceiling and walls. In our Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector review, we found the speaker to be surprisingly high quality and audibly well-rounded.

The main downside of this fantastic star projector is it's far more expensive than many other models, but you'll find few that offer the same user experience. It's worth noting that the Sega Toys Homestar Flux is also tough to find, so grab it while it's in stock at one of our trusted retail partners.

✅ You want realistic imagery: The projections from this projector are incredibly bright, sharp and high resolution, almost indistinguishable from the 'big players'.

Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite with Fish-Eye Correction Function Sync to 55-65 Inch TVs, 11.8ft RGBICW Wi-Fi TV LED Backlight with Camera, 4 Colors in 1 Lamp Bead, ...

You might be surprised to know that Sega is not only known for Sonic the Hedgehog; it's also the manufacturer of the best star projector you can currently buy, the Sega Homestar Flux. With the ability to observe over 60,000 stars at once, it truly does bring the night sky inside your home.

15mm 520nm 532nm Optical Bandpass Filter Green Light Pass Filter Glass. 520 nm narrow band pass filter. Mirror glass. Center wavelength.

Like many other star projectors, there is a 'shooting star' function, although in our Sega Homestar Flux review, we found it a bit predictable because the star always fell in the same spot. More variation would have made the display feel more real. However, we loved that it comes with an automatic shut-off option after 15, 30 or 60 minutes, which is handy if you're using it to fall asleep.

The Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe is very similar to the National Geographic Astro Planetarium. The two share a design, in fact, and so operate almost identically. There are key differences, however: for starters, this one doesn't have a speaker or built-in radio.

❌ You just want something to project nice lights: If you just want an affordable little projector to create ambience, you'd be better off choosing one of the cheaper options on this list.

Like the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, you won't get scientific accuracy, but you'll get a beautiful light show that can help you or your children to sleep better at night.

(Note: See loaners as well.) Definitions from Wiktionary (loaner). ▸ noun: One who loans; a lender. ▸ noun: (informal) Something that is given as a loan.

If you want a star projector that can sing and dance, the Sega Toys Homestar Matataki is the one for you. This is the newest projector from Sega Toys, expanding on its excellent Homestar Flux (which you'll find at the top of this list). Rather than replace the Flux, however, the Matataki sits alongside it, adding a range of new features.

❌ You want a simple ambient light: This star projector is scientifically accurate and feature-rich, but it comes with a high price tag.

In our Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector review, we noted how simple it is to use and set up. But this projector's standout feature is no doubt the voice control: You can use the companion app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android), or your Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant to voice control your projector. This means you can adjust the brightness, control the rotation speed or change the colors without having to get up from your sofa.

If we're being picky, we didn't love the fact that it's powered by a USB-A to DC cable instead of a USB-C, which would have been a lot more convenient nowadays. Other than that, it's a fantastic gift for any space enthusiast.

🔎 Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe This Bresser planetarium star projector, designed for kids, has true-to-life projections, a five-year warranty and is simple to operate. It has a time and date selector, a shooting star function and a sleep timer, and it ships with two disks. ★★★½

This BOMMA collection is characterized by combining seemingly incompatible contrasts – light and darkness in an exact vision of the creator as it combines the ...

Many star projectors are based on the nebulas you might see if you look to the skies with one of the best telescopes, so you can use them to learn about the night sky. Others are just for relaxation, so read on and let us help you choose the right star projector.

Your point about how the light seems to find dust and dirt made me think of that first day of bright sunshine in spring where you curse at all the dust and launching into a shame-driven frenzy of triage-cleaning. (Last year, when I was still living in a wooden cabin here in Scotland, that first sunny day in late March was an embarrassing shock, I was disgusted at myself.) Maybe it's something about the oblique light of new spring and late autumn shining through windows at an angle that's rare during those long summer months? Dust-hunting light.

❌ You want a projection to fill the room: The projection circle is relatively small compared with other models that flood the whole room with color.

✅ You want something portable: This star projector is so small it could be mistaken for a flash drive, so it's perfect to take on the go.

The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector definitely provides incredible value. For the price, it's solidly-built and in our Pococo Galaxy Star Projector review, we were really impressed with the realistic images it displays.

✅ Your kids are interested in space: More of a planetarium than a star projector, it's a great educational STEM toy that will help your kids learn more about space.

🔎 Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector It's highly customizable, the patterns are realistic and the music rhythm mode is impressive. One of our favourite projectors. ★★★★½

❌ You're on a budget: This is the most expensive option on this list, so if you're on a budget, there are more suitable options that perform very well.

This star projector is very customizable: you can choose to display a full moon, change the colors of the Aurora Borealis, make the stars more or less visible, or adjust the LED lights and green lasers to your preferred brightness. There are 16.7 million to choose from (in theory at least; we weren't able to test this as the human eye can't see that many), so you're bound to find one to your taste. We also love that you can control the projector with the remote control it comes with, or through the accompanying app on your smartphone.

Darker lightingapp

Since this is a non-branded product, you'll find many replicas of the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector available online. It can be hard to ensure you're buying the proper thing, but you should definitely be cautious of sellers advertising the projector for as little as $10, as you might end up disappointed with a low-quality product.

🔎 Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector: A well-made novelty star projector that every kid, or space fan, will love to have in their bedroom. It isn't quite on par with other star projectors performance-wise, but it does everything we'd expect of it, given its reasonable price. ★★★★

Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.

🔎 The National Geographic Astro Planetarium would make a nice gift for a budding astronomer. It has great functionality, with a time and date selector and a built-in speaker. ★★★★½

Dark Sky Outdoor Wall Light

🔎 Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium Star Projector A neat little STEM toy with multiple functions. Kids between 6 and 10 will love to learn more about space with this hands-on device. ★★★½

It's worth noting that the Atmosphere projector doesn't offer scientifically accurate representations of the stars, so if you're after an educational tool, this won't be the one for you. But if you're simply looking for beautiful ambient light shows, you won't be disappointed with what's on offer here. We love that you can fully tailor the experience to your tastes by adjusting the brightness and projection speed.

✅ You want a smart home compatible projector: It can work with both a Google and Alexa home device, so you can turn it on and off and give other commands with your voice.

Step 1: As in that lesson about the gamepad of Sony PlayStation, we begin this lesson with the basic contours using light lines.

...and that makes me remember being taught about the use of the seasons in surveying and landscape photography when I was an archaeologist - how the low light's great for recording features, but the high summer is when the earth dries out enough to show where hidden features are trapping moisture, but *that* is nothing compared to the terrain shadows that appear after a decent snowfall. A full year of sunlight is a wonderful toolkit for recording a place properly.

The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector boasts 16.7 million colors to choose from; while this sounds impressive, since the human eye can't actually see that many colors with the naked eye, it's a bit of a wasted claim. However, we're pleased to say the colours you can see are beautiful, and the projector offers up a fantastic light show experience.

This Bresser planetarium star projector is desisgned for kids and has true-to-life projections, a time and date selector, a shooting star function and a sleep timer.

The Sega Toys Homestar Flux is the best star projector you can buy right now. We’ve tested and reviewed a range of star projectors and found no projections more accurate and beautiful than with this premium product. You also have the possibility of buying up to 30 extra disks to project the Milky Way, shooting stars, and the aurora.

The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve has a near 360-degree angling thanks to its spherical design. Few other star projectors offer so much coverage, and the 1.5m cable its comes with means you should be able to position it in the most optimal location in any room.

We've tested the Homestar Flux extensively, and we can confidently say that there are no better star projectors or home planetariums on the market. It offers scientifically accurate views of the sky with beautiful, bright projections that will wow you.

While we love all the extra functionality and the beautiful imagery the Matataki comes with, we just wish Sega Toys had made the projector powered by USB-C or A rather than mains-powered. While this might seem like a trivial issue, it does greatly limit where you can position the projector, and considering this one has a relatively small projection circle, it could be a dealbreaker.

❌ You want scientific accuracy: It's not a scientifically accurate projection, although that said, it's the most realistic-looking non-scientific projector we've tested.

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that 'The FDA recognizes four major hazard classes (I to IV) of lasers, including three subclasses (IIa, IIIa, and IIIb). The higher the class, the more powerful the laser is and the greater the potential to pose serious injury if used improperly.'

The star projectors designed to be night lights can be good for babies and small children as they create a soothing ambient light. They can even make bedtime routines more fun and help your child drift off to sleep.

✅ You want a realistic night sky: It comes with two disks — one featuring a starry night sky and the other featuring overlays of constellations — both of which are correct to the time and date you're using it.

Despite the problems, I look forward to the light in the dark half of the year. I find summer light too penetrating, spring light too dreary. This is a season of delicious contrasts, of cold blue skies, of glowing light against black mornings. My time spent in the cold North - in Sweden, Norway and Iceland - have been formative for me. Those societies know how to paint with light in winter months, not only using light to see, but instead to create a cosy barrier against the harsh outdoors.

There's no better time to shop, too. We've seen massive Black Friday star projector deals, and they're continuing into Cyber Monday. A great mid-tier projector, the Pococo Galaxy Projector, is $79.99 at Amazon.

Home depot Dark SkyLighting

If you're looking for a simple night sky light show to add ambience to any room, we think the BlissLIghts Starport USB star projector is a great choice. It's inexpensive and takes up almost no space. If you travel a lot, it could be a perfect way to see the stars in your hotel room, for example.

The National Geographic Astro Planetarium has a novel 'falling star' mode. It projects a flashing meteor every 40 seconds, although we think it's a shame the falling star is always in the same place. A level of randomization would make it a bit more enjoyable and unpredictable.

✅ You already have discs from a Homestar Original or Flux: The Matataki is compatible with discs from previous models, which will save you money.

In this buying guide, we've tested and reviewed a range of star projectors and ranked them according to performance, quality and budget. We've included a variety of options at different price points with a range of features, so you're sure to find one that suits you. We continue to monitor the market for different models, and we'll share our favorites with you.

The best star projectors cater to a range of uses; some are designed to be as scientifically accurate as possible, others are great for parties and others still act as the perfect night light for children.

❌ You just want something cheap to set the mood: This certainly isn't the most expensive model on this list, but if all you're looking for is a projector with nice lights to create a relaxing atmosphere, there are cheaper options that will do the job.

You can choose between three models — blue, green or no lasers — and we think it's a great pick for lighting up parties, adding ambience to your movie night or gaming tool, or as a a relaxing ambient light to help you fall asleep.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com is here to ensure you get the best buying advice on star projectors, advising on whether you should purchase a product, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

✅ You want accurate projections: The projections are true to the date and time that you 'program' it to (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere)✅ You're buying for your child: While it's not a toy, we think it's aimed at a younger audience with a keen interest in astronomy.

There’s a clue in all the hedgerows at the moment: bright red berries speckle every branch, seeming to emit their own light. Winter is no time for tasteful restraint. Bring splashes of colour into your home, warm reds and yellows - and don’t wait until Christmas to bring in foliage. Here in Kent, it’s traditional to bring in hops at this time of year, and plenty of mantelpieces are currently garlanded with fresh, green hop-bines. Brightness is a good substitute for sunlight.

We love this projector's modern design; unlike most of its competitors, it can blend in among your furniture and looks great in most rooms. It also comes in an attractive packaging, so it would make a lovely gift.

Dark Sky Barn Light

This is a wonderful range of suggestions, thank you. :) And it sent my thoughts in so many new directions, as your writing always does...

❌ You want something scientifically accurate: Much like all the cheaper options on this list, this projector is solely for mood and ambiance rather than scientific accuracy.

Also, I love 9) and I've been talking about something similar with so many people recently, with "Wintering" as the catalyst of those conversations. Just how seasonal could our lives get, in all the ways, including our work? It's a nice antidote to that feeling of our lives being like walking through a city where the lights burn just as exhaustingly 24 hours a day...

On 9th November we will welcome Camille T. Dungy to talk about her book, Soil. Put the date in your diary; details to follow.

You can rotate the image in its stand, and it's fully mobile with built-in motors allowing for 360-degree movement. We found that it works best when the images are projected from about two meters away. Bresser designed the lens with a focusing wheel for easy image adjustment. Like many star projectors, it has automatic shutdown options after 30, 60 or 120 minutes, making it suitable for kids who want to fall asleep under a starry sky in their bedroom. Additionally, it includes a shooting star mode, projecting a 'meteor' every 40 seconds.

At this time of year, it’s easy to feel like the dark has snuck up on you, the day suddenly gone. One way to combat this is to notice the transition points in the day - the time when it gets light, and the time when it gets dark. This might mean taking a few moments to look out of the window around sunrise and sunset (most weather apps will tell you the exact times), or it might mean spending a little longer, when you have the time, standing outside while the light changes. This is partly to help your body to understand what season you’re in, but it’s also a lovely, meditative practice to connect with the rhythms of the day at this specific moment in the year.

❌ You want customization: If you want to change the colors, brightness or add rotation to the lasers, then you'll want to go for a different model.

Instead of using digital controls, you operate it manually. As it's so interactive and hands-on, children are likely to stay engaged with it for longer. In our Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Star Projector review, we found a 'secret code' you can use to access additional informative descriptions of the pictures on the slides online. This allows children to learn more about space objects and adds a fun and mysterious element to the experience.

Under rapid drying conditions, dampening or light fogging of board, leveling/skim or basecoat surface may be required to improve workability. Documents Files.

✅ You want a lot of customization: Although the laser 'stars' can only appear as blue or green (depending on which model you get), you can customize the clouds through the app.

Waterproof LED Light Bar - 12VDC - 338 lm/ft - Dimmable - Barrel Connector and On/Off Switch - 3000K / 4000K / 5000K

If you want more advanced features or something more scientifically accurate, however, this isn't the right product for you.

Prices vary depending on the model of your choice and how many features you are after. Generally, you can buy a good quality star projector for anywhere between $25 and $250. The cheaper models tend to be destined to be used as night lights and are generally inaccurate in their depiction of the night sky. More premium models like the Sega Toys Homestar Flux are more expensive but offer scientifically accurate depictions of the night sky.

In our Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe review, we found that the same Astro Planetarium discs can be used in both the Bresser and the National Geographic devices, and two are included in the box: one features a starry night sky, and the other has constellation overlays. You can set a day and time on the device, making the projections accurate for that time — a very nifty feature to help with skywatching.

A lovely post, a beautiful guide to what I want to call human half-hibernation. You have caught the mood of the season perfectly.

There are minimal differences between this and the National Geographic Astro Planetarium, but this one is a little cheaper. If you don't want music compatibility and you're happy for it to be battery-powered, it's probably worth considering over the other.

Like the Sega Toys Homestar models, the Pococo Galaxy Star Projector uses discs that display different views of the night sky. They're all scientifically accurate and, aside from the two supplied with the device, more can be picked up separately for around $50 for six.

Don't be put off by its underwhelming packaging. In operation, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector is really impressive. As we mentioned in our review, the lighting module seems to be the same — if just a tiny bit less impressive — as other star projectors we have reviewed, including the BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0 and the Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector. It isn't based on science, unfortunately, but as long as you're happy to simply enjoy a pretty visual representation of the night sky, you'll get a lot of joy out of this. It helps that it's very quiet in use, too.

This projector has great functionality, with a time and date selector and a built-in-speaker, and it's scientifically accurate.

The newest star projector from BlissLights features color blend technology, voice and app control. A great option for anyone shopping for a mood-enhancing star projector.

The Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector comes with a high-quality built-in Bluetooth speaker which syncs the lighting display to music thanks to its "rhythm mode". This is a great feature if you want to create some party ambience.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, star projectors can also be used to refer to unrealistic night and ambient or mood-enhancing lights that aren't scientifically accurate. Planetariums, on the other hand, are strictly realistic and accurate depictions of the night sky, which are sometimes even time and location-sensitive to show you the night sky as it appears at a given time.

✅ You want a voice activated projector: You can control this projector using your smart home devices (Alexa, Google Home, etc), meaning you don't have to fiddle with buttons to set the mood.

This rechargeable star projector emits bright, colorful and sharp imagery that gives other models we've tested a run for their money.

In reference to Class IIIa lasers (like laser pointers or some used in star projectors), the FDA says: 'Depending on power and beam area, can be momentarily hazardous when directly viewed or when staring directly at the beam with an unaided eye. Risk of injury increases when viewed with optical aids.'

The answer to this question depends on the type of star projector you're considering. Some FDA-approved laser star projectors are safe for brief and accidental exposure to eyes, but they are not recommended for children, and you should never look directly into a laser beam.

✅ You want all the bells and whistles: The Homestar Matataki has got new features that the Homestar Flux didn't have, from twinkling stars to inbuilt sounds.

This projector will appeal to both kids and adults. It's available in a stylish color gradient or a matte white finish. Adjusting the clarity of the projection only requires using the focus wheel, which is handy if you want to move it between different surfaces or rooms.

During our Homestar Matataki review, we appreciated how silently it runs and the brightness of the displays. That said, we found the Homestar Flux offers higher-contrast images and sharper stars, which is why it remains at the top of our list. In terms of price and availability, however, the Matataki clearly takes the win against its predecessor. We did appreciate that the discs for the Flux and the Homestar Original are compatible with the Matataki, potentially reducing your investment if you own one of these models.

This star projector's smart features are what really stood out in our BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review. You can use this so-called 'galaxy light' in conjunction with several smart home systems, from Google Assistant to Amazon Alexa, which enables you to change its colours or turn it on or off at the sound of your voice.

Not all star projectors are scientifically accurate — some are designed to be pleasant ambient lights to be used as kids' night lights or just to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, some models are scientifically accurate and allow you to create a planetarium from the comfort of your own home, for example the Sega Toys Homestar Flux, National Geographic Astro Planetarium and Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe.

The BlissLights Starport USB star projector is unlike any other in our guide, given that it relies on a USB connection and is far more of a compact package. This is a hassle-free device and also one of the most budget-friendly, but it can still transform the atmosphere around you with stunning projections. We'd use the term 'star projector' sparingly, however, as it isn't entirely scientifically accurate.

Considering its reasonable price tag and the many educational benefits it offers, we think this projector is a worthwhile investment to teach your kids about space.

I’ll be chosing two of your questions to answer on Crowdcast - join us live, or watch the playback later. Look out for details in the Chat.

In our Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector review, we highlighted it as one of our favorites of all the star projectors we've reviewed. It's just a shame that it comes in unbranded packaging, and we found the so-called official website to feel ingenuine. It didn't give us much trust in what we were buying, but thankfully the final product delivered.

❌ You want it to be scientifically accurate: It doesn't show any constellations or any type of scientific night sky projections.