August 1997

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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

The New Martian Chronicles

By David S. F. Portree

Although formidable obstacles need to be overcome, NASA officials are seriously talking about manned missions to Mars early in the next century.

pg. 32

Looking for Life on Mars

By Christopher P. McKay

Evidence suggests that life may once have existed on Mars. Where should we search for the proof?

pg. 38

Gravity's Rainbow

By Marcia Bartusiak

Einstein predicted that massive objects could bend light. Astronomers now use these gravitational lenses to probe the distant universe.

pg. 44

The Man Behind Hubble

By Rex A. Graham

Meet Robert Williams, the driving force behind the Space Telescope's ambitious scientific mission.

pg. 50

Summer's Magnificent Swan Song

By Alan Goldstein

The glittering Milky Way in Cygnus provides a perfect backdrop for dazzling double stars, stunning star clusters, and nebulous clouds of dust and gas.

pg. 68

Not Too Close

By Stephen J. Edberg

A good pair of binoculars is invaluable to anyone who watches the sky. Here's all you need to know to make an informed purchase.

pg. 76

Ask Astro

The editors of ASTRONOMY answer your questions about the science and hobby.

pg. 82

Departments

Behind the Scenes

Going to Mars

Letters

AstroForum

AstroNews

- Hubble's New Eyes on the Universe
- What's Up in Space?
- An Unexpected Tail for Hale-Bopp
- Europa's Tantalizing Terrain
- New Planet in Corona Borealis
- This Object Is Far Out!
- A New Local Galaxy
- Supernova Remnants in M82
- Special Report: The Dangers of Urban Life

Astronomy Books

- The Inflationary Universe
- Yerkes Observatory, 1892-1950
- Imagined Worlds

AstroBytes

- OrbitMaker
- Fantastic Space

Meetings and Events

Resources & Photofacts

New Products

- Starsplitter Equatorial Reflecting Telescope
- Digital, Cooled CCD Camera
- Portable Red/White Light
- Handheld Telescope Control Box

Advertiser Index

Reader Reports

Ultimate Exposure

Sky Almanac

Perseid meteors pepper the sky at midmonth, but the real star is Jupiter shining at its brightest.

Hot Shots

From Iowa to Eternity

	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—

	Mercury	Mercury	Venus	Venus
RISE	—		—
SET	—		—
		—		—

	Mars	Mars	Jupiter	Jupiter	Saturn	Saturn
RISE	—		—		—
SET	—		—		—
		—		—		—