Astronomy Magazine - Interactive Star Charts, Planets, Meteors, Comets, Telescopes

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Astronomy celebrates 40 years!

In August 1973, Steve Walther published the first issue of Astronomy magazine. See how the publication has changed as Editor David J. Eicher looks back on the past four decades. Watch now »

Astronomy 101: Gamma-ray bursts

In this new video, Associate Editor Sarah Scoles explores the brightest events in the universe. Watch now »

Liz & Sarah's Cosmic Adventures: The dark universe

In this episode, Associate Editors Liz Kruesi and Sarah Scoles describe the composition of the cosmos — with a little help from demos. Watch now »

News

Scientists witness bright explosion on the Moon

More Recent Articles

The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) is one of the sky’s most famous celestial objects. It floats through space in the constellation Canes Venatici. It li... Read more »

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Web Extras for Magazine Subscribers

Go deeper into the stories of Astronomy magazine. These online features bring you additional research, interviews, photos, and more our editors turned up while creating the stories for this issue.

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The whispering bolide

The fireball that occurred above Chelyabinsk, Russia, not only created a loud boom but also generated subtle hissing sounds heard by dozens of witnesses.

Don’t believe everything you hear

Although media around the world got plenty right in their descriptions of the Russian meteor, they also made plenty of mistakes.

The Perek-Kohoutek catalog

Now you can find any object in this list of planetary nebulae.

Our Blogs

Staff Blog

Attend the American Astronomical Society conference and star party in Indianapolis
Posted: May 16, 2013
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Help discover gravitational lenses
Posted: May 14, 2013
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Astronomy Festival on the National Mall
Posted: May 13, 2013
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Dave's Universe

The Tunguska event: an excerpt from my upcoming book
Posted: May 20, 2013
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Michael Bakich and Dave Eicher to attend Celestron Perspective
Posted: May 13, 2013
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Eclipse report from Jay Pasachoff
Posted: May 10, 2013
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Equipment

Vixen's GPD2  mount tested

If you've read any of my columns in Astronomy, you know that I do a lot of ... Read more

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Orion 2" Low-Profile Dual-Speed Hybrid Reflector Focuser

Orion's 2" Low-Profile Dual-Speed Hybrid Reflector Focuser uses a special g... Read more.

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Olivon 80° ED Wide Angle Eyepieces

Olivon produces its 80° ED Wide Angle Eyepieces with focal lengths of 1... Read more.

Episode 21: The dark universe

In this video, Liz and Sarah describe how much normal matter, dark matter, and dark energy the cosmos holds — with a little help from demos.Read more.

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PODCASTS

Carbon star V Hydrae, globular cluster NGC 5634, and the Ursa Minor Dwarf

May 16–23, 2013: Carbon star V Hydrae is an excellent target for binocular observers, globular cluster NGC 5634 in Virgo offers small-telescope owners nice views, and large-telescope owners can seek out the Ursa Minor Dwarf. Read more.

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Online Poll

Have you ever collected meteorites?

Yes, I have spent a small fortune on space rocks.
Yes, I collect here and there.
I used to collect, but I don't anymore.
I haven't yet, but I'd like to collect meteorites in the future.
Collecting space rocks doesn't interest me.

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Astronomy PLUS Features

Astronomy magazine subscribers have exclusive access to this premium content and more.

StarDome Plus Map stars, comets, asteroids, and more for your location	Star Atlas Zoom through 45,000 stars on 24 interactive maps	Sky this Month June: A trio of evening planets

Columnists Expert observers help you make the most out of the sky	Ask Astro Astronomy answers your questions	Web Extras Go deeper into the stories printed in Astronomy

Special Issues and More

The Great Comet of 2013

Comet ISON - The definitive guide to what, when, where, and how!

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Explore the Solar System

From unexpected water levels on the lunar surface to recent discoveries about comets and asteroids, you’ll find exciting science results in Explore the Solar System!

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