February 2010
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
Top 10 stories of 2009
Cosmologists found more evidence of dark energy, astronauts returned Hubble to prime condition, astronomers photographed worlds beyond our solar system, and more.
Web extra: The year’s big stories
You’ve read the top 10, now here are 11 through 15.
How astronomers probe weather on exoplanets
By plugging their latest findings into Earth’s climate patterns, astronomers can approximate the weather on distant worlds.
Web extra: Watch exoplanet HD 189733b in action
Astronomers have been able to map the surface of this extrasolar world.
Illustrated: Explore our neighborhood of galaxies
Some 50 galaxies crowd around the Milky Way. Astronomers call them the Local Group.
10 tips for Moon watchers
Mountain ranges, vast volcanic plains, and more than 1,500 named craters make the Moon a target you’ll return to again and again.
Web extra: Name that crater
These six maps will get you started observing the Moon.
How to start a meteorite collection
Learn Contributing Editor Raymond Shubinski’s two main tenets of meteorite collecting, and meet some of the dealers he trusts.
Web extra: What’s that meteorite?
This quick guide will help you understand meteorite classifications.
Dancing with the galaxies
Target these dozen galaxies with a modest-sized telescope, and you’ll find that the Whirlpool is just one shining example of close galaxy pairs.
Explore Scientific’s 5-inch APO combines portability and power
High-quality optics and craftsmanship make this a telescope you’ll be proud to own.
Departments
This Month in Astronomy
Beautiful Universe
Letters
Web Talk
Bob Berman’s Strange Universe
Stephen James O’Meara’s Secret Sky
Astro News
The Sky this Month
Ask Astro
Glenn Chaple’s Observing Basics
David H. Levy’s Evening Stars
Advertiser Index
Telescope Insider
New Products
The Cosmic Grid
Deep-sky Showcase
Reader Gallery
