Jonas Mertens
Science editor · Astronomy
Hamburg
Jonas Mertens is fascinated by everything you can see in the sky. In his articles he explains how telescopes work, which planets are visible right now and how researchers track down distant worlds.
His goal is to give beginners an honest, practical start. No marketing promises, just recommendations that fit your budget and your night sky.
Jonas Mertens is an editorial persona of the cosmosfrombit science team. The texts are written by the editorial desk, which checks every article against named sources.
Expertise
- Observational astronomy
- Exoplanets
- Science communication
ⓘ Editorial persona — written and fact-checked by the cosmosfrombit science desk.
Articles by Jonas Mertens
Gravitational Waves: Researchers Report a Particularly Heavy Black Hole MergerDetectors have caught the signal of two merging black holes. The combined mass is among the highest values ever measured.JWST Finds a Candidate for One of the Earliest GalaxiesThe James Webb Space Telescope has spotted a galaxy candidate that shone just about 280 million years after the Big Bang. It challenges our models.JWST Measures the Atmosphere of an Exoplanet in the Habitable ZoneThe James Webb Space Telescope split the light passing through a nearby exoplanet's atmosphere. Early data hint at water vapor — but caution is needed.Binoculars for Astronomy: the 2026 Buying GuideWhich binoculars suit stargazing? This guide explains magnification, aperture and handling and gives honest recommendations from around 89 euros.Buying Your First Telescope: the 2026 beginner guideWhich telescope suits a beginner? This guide explains aperture, mount and budget and gives honest recommendations from about 150 euros.The Best Beginner Telescopes of 2026 ComparedWhich beginner telescope is worth it in 2026? We compare three popular models by aperture, mount and price and name a clear winner.The Best Binoculars for Astronomy 2026 ComparedWhich binoculars are worth it for the night sky? We compare three popular models by aperture, magnification and handling and name a clear winner.Astronomy for BeginnersDiscovering the night sky yourself is easier than many think. Learn how to start — with the naked eye, binoculars or a first telescope.Deep-Sky for Beginners Explained SimplyGalaxies, nebulae and star clusters lie far beyond our Solar System. With a dark sky and some patience, you can find them as a beginner too.Exoplanets and the Search for LifeThousands of planets orbit distant stars. Some lie in the habitable zone. Learn how we find them and whether life could exist there.Finding Constellations: a beginner's startWith a few bright patterns you can find your way around the night sky. Learn how to spot your first constellations with confidence.The Habitable Zone Explained SimplyThe habitable zone is the distance from a star where liquid water is possible. It is the key clue in the search for life.Observing Planets: a Beginner's GuideFive planets are visible to the naked eye. Even a small telescope shows the moons of Jupiter and the ring of Saturn.Observing the Moon: a Beginner's GuideThe Moon is the most rewarding target in the sky. Even with binoculars you see craters, mountains and the sharp shadow line.