Year of the Comet
Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

PANSTARRS information

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

ISON information

Issues

September 2012

ASY-CV0912
Purchase this Issue
Subscribe today and save!
The world's best-selling astronomy magazine offers you the most exciting, visually stunning, and timely coverage of the heavens above. Each monthly issue includes expert science reporting, vivid color photography, complete sky coverage, spot-on observing tips, informative telescope reviews, and much more! All this in an easy-to-understand, user-friendly style that's perfect for astronomers at any level. 
Features
Quest for the most distant objects
By Adam Frank
The search for the first structures in the universe has baffled astronomers for decades. But telescopes now on the horizon promise to shed new light.
pg. 20
By Liz Kruesi
Astronomers are planning huge radio arrays to investigate the birth of the first structures.
Brian May: A life in science and music
By David J. Eicher
You know him best as guitarist, singer, and songwriter from the rock group Queen, but Brian May is also a Pd.D. astronomer, popularizer of the cosmos, stereophotography enthusiast, and advocate for animal rights.
pg. 26
Black holes in our backyard
By Richard Talcott
Black holes are the most astounding objects in the universe. And at least 19 of them lurk within the Milky Way.
pg. 44
By Richard Talcott
A galaxy’s central black hole roars to life when a normal star ventures too close.
Wander the wonders of the King’s constellation
By Michael E. Bakich
Cepheus contains enough star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies to keep you observing a long time.
pg. 52
You should observe the Full Moon!
By Michael E. Bakich
Mountains and lava plains, rays, and a hint of color invite exploring a bright Moon.
pg. 54
By Michael E. Bakich
You’ll see something cool whenever you point your telescope at the Moon.
Astronomy’s third annual Star Products
By Phil Harrington
Get ready to ogle some amazing equipment as we honor the 35 best telescopes, cameras, and accessories produced in the past year.
pg. 56
Columns
Bob Berman's Strange Universe
bob_berman_2009
By Bob Berman
Glenn Chaple’s Observing Basics
By Glenn Chaple
Stephen James OMeara's Secret Sky
stephen_james_o_meara_new
By Stephen James O'Meara
Tony Hallas' Imaging the Cosmos
Tony Hallas
By Tony Hallas
Departments
In Every Issue
This Month in Astronomy
The Queen: “A Kind of Magic” Contest
Letters
Important numbers
Web Talk
Astro News
Faint jets suggest past Milky Way activity
Historic launch to ISS
Found: a star that vaporizes its world
Astro Confidential: David J. McComas
New Products
Reader Gallery
The Cosmic Grid
SEARCH SITE
Subscriber Only Access
Subscriber Only Content
Look for this icon. This denotes premium subscriber content. Learn more »
Become a Member of Astronomy.com
Register today for access to more valuable resource information.
Interact in our forums, comment on articles, receive our newsletter and much more!
Not a member?
Subscriber and Member Login
Password
Remember me