June 2011

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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

In search of the first stars

By Ray Villard

Big, blue, and bright, the first stars were unique monsters that changed cosmic evolution.

pg. 26

Web Extra: In search of the first galaxies

By Richard Talcott

The Hubble Space Telescope peered long and hard at a tiny region of the constellation Fornax, returning images of the youngest galaxies ever seen.

What happens when stars die?

By Liz Kruesi

Stellar corpses litter our universe — white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

pg. 32

Web Extra: Modeling a star's last breath

By Liz Kruesi

Computer simulations are more-accurately showing how massive stars die.

A century of variable star observing

By David H. Levy

Since its start in 1911, the American Association of Variable Star Observers has served amateur and professional astronomers.

pg. 44

Web Extra: How to make a variable-star estimate

By David H. Levy

Learn how to make your own light curves so you too can help contribute to the American Association of Variable Star Observers.

Web Extra: Putting names to the faces of history

By Bill Andrews

Learn about the people and places behind our opening collage for “A century of variable star observing.”

Explore Abell's obscure planetary nebulae

By Michael E. Bakich

Scant details, low surface brightnesses, and tiny sizes scare away most amateur astronomers. The best observers, however, see this list of faint, dead suns as a challenge.

pg. 50

Web Extra: Observe all of the Abell planetary nebulae

By Michael E. Bakich

Challenge yourself with this list of faint, dead suns.

10 great summer binocular sights

By Phil Harrington

Give your telescope a night off and target these wonders through binoculars.

pg. 54

Web Extra: 10 top summer binocular treats

By Phil Harrington

You won't need a large telescope to spot these celestial wonders.

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