May 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

Bonus Poster: The Universe — from here to eternity

By Richard Talcott, Roen Kelly

From the inner solar system out to the Virgo galaxy cluster, Astronomy takes you on a tour of our place in the cosmos.

Opening a new window on the Sun

By W. Dean Pesnell

With three instruments operating 24/7, the Solar Dynamics Observatory is gleaning new insights into how magnetic fields control solar activity.

pg. 24

Web Extra: NASA’s newest eye on the Sun

By Richard Talcott

The Solar Dynamics Observatory is viewing the Sun’s magnetic field from its origin beneath the surface to the rarefied gas in the corona.

What will happen when the next asteroid strikes?

By Clark R. Chapman

Planetary scientist Clark R. Chapman explains the hazards of near-Earth objects colliding with our planet.

pg. 30

Web Extra: Earth as a target

By Liz Kruesi

Evidence of impacts is evident all over Earth’s surface.

Hollywood astronomy

By Bill Andrews

Astronomy and space have influenced movies for more than a century. What is it that keeps audiences coming back for more?

pg. 52

Web Extra: Hollywood astronomy lite

By Bill Andrews

Space can provide a fun setting for any movie without actually mattering to the story.

Web Extra: A look at La Voyage dans la lune

By Bill Andrews

Join some of Astronomy’s editors on the very first cinematic space journey.

How to observe high-energy galaxies

By Richard Jakiel

Seyfert galaxies emit strange light that comes from supermassive black holes. Even better - many make great telescopic targets.

pg. 58

Web Extra: More Seyfert galaxies

By Michael E. Bakich

Point your telescope at more of these high-energy celestial wonders.

All about prime-focus imaging

By Michael A. Covington

Capture star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies using a telescope as your camera’s lens.

pg. 62

Web Extra: How to image the sky

By Richard Talcott

Our astrophotography series will have you becoming an accomplished imager in no time.

Track the sky with Vixen’s AXD Mount

By Michael E. Bakich

Spot-on accuracy and an ultra-cool controller place this mount at the top of the heap.

pg. 68

Web Extra A review turns into a viewing session

By Michael E. Bakich

I’ve put together an image gallery of celestial treats I observed both nights. I hope you can get out under a similarly dark sky and enjoy them like I did.

Columns

Bob Berman’s Strange Universe