July 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
How we’ll explore Pluto
Now halfway to its goal, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft promises to reveal frigid Pluto during an extraordinary 9-month encounter in 2015.
Web extra: Exploring the solar system’s frigid edge
The faint, distant objects of the Kuiper Belt hide secrets as to how the solar system formed.
Hubble’s top 5 science discoveries
From dark energy to exoplanets to black holes, the Hubble Space Telescope helps astronomers understand some of the biggest mysteries of the universe.
Web extra: See Hubble for yourself
With a little luck and some planning, you could see the world’s most famous telescope as it flies overhead.
How sky surveys will revolutionize astronomy
Two new telescopes will repeatedly image the cosmos in minute detail, revealing myriad asteroids and supernovae. They also will help determine dark energy’s properties.
A famous telescope turns 40
Bart Bok was a proponent of educating students about astronomy. He’d be happy to know that the telescope that bears his name is now used for both research and education.
Web extra: A roundabout love of the sky
Dutch-American astronomer Bart Bok was interested in astronomy from a young age. One well-known story about what sparked his interest might surprise you.
Hot rocks ignite collector’s passion
At the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, leading meteorite dealers display spectacular new finds and old, treasured favorites.
Web extra: Videos from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
Listen to meteorite dealers talk about their favorite subject.
Observe 10 hot lunar targets
The Moon’s ever-changing face offers something for every amateur astronomer.
Web extra: Keep observing the Moon
More lunar targets you can point your scope at await you.
The MallinCam takes great images in seconds
Whether you photograph the sky or show live images to a group, this video camera delivers the goods.
All about the North America Nebula
Scan this giant nebula through binoculars or a telescope, and you’ll find a lot more than just dazzling beauty.
Web extra: More views of the North America Nebula
View a photo gallery of a terrific celestial target.
Departments
This Month in Astronomy
Letters
Web Talk
Bob Berman’s Strange Universe
Glenn Chaple’s Observing Basics
Stephen James O’Meara’s Secret Sky
David H. Levy’s Evening Stars
Astro News
The Sky this Month
Ask Astro
Advertiser Index
New Products
Deep-sky Showcase
Reader Gallery
Web Extra: What is the difference between a “cubew