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Eta Aquariid meteor shower 2026: When and where to see it in the UK
What is the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, when does it happen and how can I see it in 2026?
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A closer look at Canaletto: the gondolas of Venice
The gondola isn't just a sightseeing draw for tourists. Examine Canaletto's paintings to uncover the history of this iconic vessel
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The women who went to sea – dressed as men
Barred from the seafaring life, women had to disguise themselves as men if they wanted to experience the high seas - and brave the consequences of being found out
Research guide
Research guide A3: Tracing family history from maritime records
This guide is a brief introduction to maritime records that you can use to discover more about your ancestors, family history or famous people
Press release
Pirates exhibition press release
In March 2025 the major exhibition Pirates will open at the National Maritime Museum (NMM), tracing the changing depictions of pirates throughout the ages and revealing the brutal history often obscured by fiction.
Blog post
Jane Austen and the Royal Navy
In this blog we explore some of Austen’s literary nautical themes, but also consider her actual maritime connections.
Research guide
Research guide C9: The Merchant Navy: First World War
This guide outlines the main sources for researching the activities of merchant ships and their crews during the First World War
Research guide
Research guide D3: RMS Titanic: Images and artefacts at the National Maritime Museum
This guide lists photographs, paintings, other images, artefacts and models of RMS Titanic held in the National Maritime Museum collections
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Ursa Minor (Little Bear) and Polaris
Polaris is the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation, and for centuries was used by sailors for navigating at sea.
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Constellations
The 88 constellations act as a handy map of the skies and a seasonal calendar used from ancient times. But what connects the stars in the same constellation?