January 2010

This month’s issue of Astronomy magazine explains how cosmologists are working to better understand the universe’s large-scale structures, reveals possible candidates for what the Star of Bethlehem could have been, provides 40 winter deep-sky objects to target, and more. The issue also includes the four-page supplement, “2010 Guide to the Night Sky.” Video: Editor David J. Eicher previews the January 2010 issue.

Meet the staff of Astronomy magazine
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-mail newsletter
Subscribe today!

Features

Guide to the sky 2010

Astronomy's 2010 Guide to the Night Sky

pg. Bonus

What galaxy superclusters tell us about the universe

By Bruce Dorminey

Astronomers are working to understand the universe's large-scale structures — how they formed and how they affect cosmic expansion.

pg. 28

Web extra: Fly through the nearby universe

By Liz Kruesi

A southern-sky survey mapped more than 110,000 nearby galaxies to show cosmic structure.

What was the Star of Bethlehem?

By Michael E. Bakich

Astronomy can rule out several candidates for the sight that appeared to the wise men — but it can't eliminate them all.

pg. 34

How do planetary nebulae form?

By David J. Eicher

Over the past decade, astronomers have cracked the code of planetary nebula shapes. Now we know why these stellar coffins appear in such a variety of intricate styles.

pg. 52

Web extra: The many shapes of planetary nebulae

By David J. Eicher

Browse a sample of these interesting sky-targets, and then seek them out with your own telescope.

Tour the Fornax Supercluster

By Richard Jakiel

Medium- to large-aperture telescopes reveal dozens of galaxies in this small region of sky.

pg. 60

Target 40 wonderful winter sky treats

By Michael E. Bakich

The winter sky is loaded with great deep-sky objects. Through your telescope, you can pick them off like ornaments on a celestial tree.

pg. 64