Features

Secrets from Titan’s seas

By probing “magic islands” and seafloors, astronomers are learning more than ever about the lakes and seas on Saturn’s largest moon.

Web Extra: Titans seasons slowly change

As Saturn’s largest moon shifts its orbit around the Sun, the changing seasons drive liquid from one pole to the other.

What lurks in the monstrous heart of the Milky Way?

NASA’s bargain X-ray space telescope, NuSTAR, is revealing hidden secrets from the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.

Web Extra: Watch how NuSTAR unfolded in space

NASA’s newest X-ray space telescope put mission managers through 24 minutes of terror as it unfolded 57 tinker-toy-like sections in orbit.

No country for old telescopes

At Wesleyan University’s Van Vleck Observatory, a century-old 20-inch refractor is experiencing a rebirth. The fate of many other classic refractors is not so bright.

Web Extra: Rebirth of a legendary telescope

At many observatories, the mantra seems to be: “Out with the old, and in with the new.” But at Wesleyan University’s Van Vleck Observatory, restorers are breathing new life into a century-old refractor. See their progress.

10 classic telescopes remembered

Some of our best memories of celestial sights have come through telescopes we wouldn’t even look at today.

Around the world in eight star parties

From Switzerland to South Africa, these star parties all promise dark skies, good telescopes, and great company.

Turning on to the stars again

Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from astronomy education.

We test Starlight Xpress’ new camera

Light weight, low noise, and high quantum efficiency make the Trius-SX694 CCD camera a winner.

Departments

Sky this Month
StarDome and Path of the Planets

In Every Issue

From the Editor
Letters
Web Talk
Advertiser Index
Breakthrough
Snapshot
Astro News
New Products
Reader Gallery