Features

Is This Planet for Real?

Astronomers have found a Holy Grail: a planet orbiting a Sunlike star. But years will pass before they can answer all the questions raised by this mysterious object circling 51 Pegasi.

Far Journey to a NEAR Asteroid

The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous spacecraft will spend a year scrutinizing Eros in hopes of shedding light on the solar system's evolution.

Tilt-A-Whirl Astronomy

Some liken the changing seasons to a graceful dance of the Sun and Earth, but in many ways a carnival ride serves as a better analogy.

Sky Almanac

Two beacons dominate the sky this month: brilliant Venus at its best in the evening and Jupiter rising up before dawn.

Remembering Gemini

This prominent winter constellation offers something for every observer, from bright stars to rich clusters and fuzzy nebulae.

Seeing the Unseen

All you need is a dark sky and a modest telescope to glimpse huge clouds of dust lurking in distant galaxies.

Choosing a Camera for Astrophotography

So you want to start shooting the sky? Here's all you need to know to find the ideal new or used camera.

Beyond the Visible with CCDs

With a near-infrared filter, you can image details hidden in the depths of nebulae and galaxies.

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