May 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

Venus Unveiled

By David H. Grinspoon

Volcanic flows covered Venus 500 million years ago.

pg. 44

Going to Extremes

By Beth A. Livermore

Cold and dry, the south pole is perfect for astronomy.

pg. 52

Opening a New Window on the Universe

By James S. Trefil

Gravitational waves will reveal a host of strange objects.

pg. 58

Inside a Star's Cocoon

By Karen Southwell

When normal stars die, they give birth to striking beauty.

pg. 60

Sky Almanac

By Alister Ling, Martin Ratcliffe

Comet Hale-Bopp takes its final bow in an evening sky that witnesses the return of brilliant Venus.

pg. 66

Southern Skies Horde the Giants

By Richard Jakiel

Head south to view the biggest and brightest globulars.

pg. 78

A Film for All Nebulae

By Jerry Lodriguss

A new kodak film delivers exceptional deep-sky shots.

pg. 82

Grab a Rock from Space

By Jim Phillips

Some people collect stamps or coins, but you can own pieces of history: meteorites that date from the formation of the solar system.

pg. 88

Birth of a Skyshooter

By David J. Pontzer

Helpful hints for those starting out in astrophotography.

pg. 94

Get Ready to Party

By John Shibley

Ever been to a star party? Here are 22 of this summer's best.

pg. 98

Departments

Behind the Scenes

Going Way South

Letters

AstroForum

How Far Can You See?

AstroNews

- Supernova 1987A Begins to Brighten
- Galileo's Ice Floe Picture Show
- Giant Black Holes Lurk in Galaxies
- Remnants from Our Galaxy's Birth
- Blowing Away Planets in Orion
- Debate Over Mars Life Heats Up
- See the Edges of Black Holes
- Gamma-Ray Bursts from Afar
- Comet Hyakutake's Interstellar Roots
- Biggest Telescope Mirror Cast

Astronomy Books

Venus Revealed

AstroBytes

- dObjects 2.1
- XEphem
- Easy PC Astronomy

Meetings and Events

Resources & Photofacts

New Products

- 10-inch Dobsonian Telescope
- Hubble Slide Set
- Transparent Celestial Globe

Advertiser Index

Reader Reports

Skywatchers Get Bumped in the Night

Ultimate Exposure