Features

Hunting Planets Beyond

With 33 extrasolar planets now known – and none similar to those in our solar system – astronomers are changing their ideas on how planets form.

Switched at Birth

Planetary scientists used to think that gas-giant planets took a billion years to form, but recent studies suggest the process lasted a mere few million years.

Hubble Warrior

How old and big is the cosmos, and how fast is it expanding? Cosmologist Wendy Freedman finds herself at the center of these raging debates.

Night Visions

The author combines an artist’s eye with the right technique and a perfect location in Israel’s Negev Desert to create stunning starscapes.

Reaching for the Sun

In 1835 French philosopher Auguste Comte declared that we would never be able to learn what celestial objects are made of. He didn’t count on the ingenuity of scientists.

How to Record the Digital Sky

Many people think that CCD imaging requires lots of technical know-how, but a few simple techniques will have you capturing great shots in no time.

ETXtasy

Meade’s new 3.6-inch ETX telescope has added built-in motors and an optional Autostar computer system to make a good scope even better.

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