Every year, Global Astronomy Month takes place in April.

The event is celebrated to raise awareness of the wonders of the universe.

It was started in 1973, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, Doug Berger.

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What initially ran as Global Astronomy Day, has since become a month.

To mark the celebration, we've put together a list of Hertfordshire's links to the stars.

1. Bayfordbury Observatory, Bayfordbury

The Comet: Bayfordbury Observatory is operated by the University of Hertfordshire.Bayfordbury Observatory is operated by the University of Hertfordshire. (Image: Bayfordbury Observatory on Creative Commons)

Bayfordbury Observatory is operated by the University of Hertfordshire.

It is primarily used for the teaching of its students, however public events are held on various occasions throughout the year.

Community visits, which involve a two-hour guided tour of the facility and an astronomy talk are available to the public.

Entry costs £12.50 per person, and can be booked via the University's website.

2. Stevenage's own Mars Rover

The Comet: A Stevenage-designed Mars Rover could be used on the Moon.A Stevenage-designed Mars Rover could be used on the Moon. (Image: Airbus)

A Stevenage-designed Mars Rover had been set to visit 'The Red Planet' in 2026.

However, this plan was suspended in August 2022, with NASA's 'Perseverance' - already collecting samples - taking over the Sample Fetch Rover's (SFR) duties.

The SFR has since been re-purposed, and could now be sent to the Moon instead.

3. Herts astronomers discover planet's orbit

The Comet: An artist's impression of the planet. Image: Neil Cook / University of HertfordshireAn artist's impression of the planet. Image: Neil Cook / University of Hertfordshire (Image: Archant)

In 2016, a planet's orbit was discovered by a team of University of Hertfordshire astronomers.

It had previously been thought that the planet was "lonely".

However, thanks to the team's discovery, we now know that it is actually orbiting a distant star.

4. Astronomy societies throughout Herts

The Comet: There are a number of astronomical societies throughout Hertfordshire.There are a number of astronomical societies throughout Hertfordshire. (Image: Kiwi Tom on Creative Commons)

There are a number of astronomy societies throughout Hertfordshire, some with their own observatories.

The Hertford Astronomy Group, Letchworth & District Astronomical Society and South West Hertfordshire Astronomical Society are among those in the area.

These society's allow stargazers to meet, discuss and practice astronomy.

5. Earth-like planet discovered by Herts professor

The Comet: A Hertfordshire professor has discovered a planet similar to Earth.A Hertfordshire professor has discovered a planet similar to Earth. (Image: NASA on Unsplash)

In 2012, a planet with similarities to Earth was discovered by a Hertfordshire professor.

Hugh Jones was on an international team of scientists which came across the ‘super-Earth’.

The University of Hertfordshire professor described the planet as "quite an exciting find!".