Features

E. E. Barnard’s Magnificent Milky Way

Our galaxy’s true splendor emerged a century ago when a pioneering astronomer began taking its photographic portrait.

Ghost Galaxies of the Cosmos

So dim they nearly elude detection, low surface brightness galaxies dominate the universe and could be a key reservoir for dark matter.

Worlds Between Worlds

On its long journey to Jupiter, Galileo flew past the asteroids Ida and Gaspra, forever changing our view of minor planets.

Sky Almanac

The Americas witness their first Blue Moon in nearly three years, while observers around the globe can check out two bright comets in Sagittarius.

Jupiter’s Magnificent Show

This summer is a grand time to view Jupiter’s intricate cloudtops and the dance of the Galilean satellites.

Barnard’s Undiscovered Galaxy

One of the Milky Way’s crowning sights, Rho Ophiuchi exhibits wondrous color contrasts.

A Night-Owl’s Guide to Galaxies

If you think summer means only rich star clusters and glowing gas clouds, stay up late and observe a bevy of beautiful galaxies.

Hooray for Comet Hyakutake!

The early returns are in, and Comet Hyakutake wins hands down as the best comet of the last twenty years.

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