Features

Big eye on the universe

The finest telescopes on Earth sit atop Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawaii. Take a virtual tour up the mountain to get a behind- the- scenes look at the observatories.

The turbulent world of compact galaxy groups

Like desert oases, compact galaxy groups spring up in barren voids. Find out what these fast-moving, tight-knit systems reveal about the nature and evolution of cosmic structure.

Searching for the golden ratio

Weaving itself through geometry, relativity, botany, and astronomy, the golden ratio PHI is one of those special numbers that gives shape to our universe.

Centaurus and Antlia

The large constellation Centaurus the Centaur holds an abundance of celestial treats from the galaxy and beyond. The smaller Antlia the Air Pump is somewhat star-starved but contains some extragalactic appetizers.

Spot a naked-eye asteroid

While the asteroid Vesta normally remains dim, this month it is a naked eye object – if you know where to look. With these tips, it’s a challenge any backyard observer can meet.

Darkness Down Under

Tens of thousands of observers flew halfway around the world last December to catch half a minute of totality.

All-in-one filter system

Sirius Optics’ VFS-1.25 provides color highlights in a single unit rather than numerous filters required for observing sessions.

The Paramount GT-1100 ME

No more tangled cables. The new Paramount GT-1100 ME offers observers elegance in design, accuracy in automation, and an extended arsenal of cable pass-thrus as well as a new cable conduit.

Two eyes on the sky

Two eyes are always better than one, especially when they are partnered with giant binoculars. In this review of several giants, we help you find the binoculars that best fit your needs and your budget.

Departments

This month in Astronomy
Beautiful universe
Letters
Interview
Bob Berman’s strange universe
Glenn Chaple’s observing basics
News
The sky this month
Ask Astro
New products
Book reviews
Resources
Coming events
Advertiser index
Reader gallery