February 2005

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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

Einstein’s century

pg. 32

Relativity turns 100

By Richard Panek

One hundred years ago, while working in the Swiss patent office, Albert Einstein invented a theory that touched off a revolution in physics. How did he do it?

pg. 34

The man who remade the universe

By Robert Burnham

Einstein’s theories made him the world’s most famous scientist, but he also made his mark in politics.

pg. 50

Relativity’s infinite beauty

By James S. Trefil

In the 20th century, general relativity became the preeminent theory for decoding the cosmos. In the coming century, relativity will blaze new trails even as other theories try to supercede it.

pg. 50

Cassini/Huygens at Titan

By Richard Talcott

When the Cassini spacecraft swooped past Titan in October, it got a super view of this enigmatic Saturn moon.

pg. 76

See a star die

By Doug Snyder

Planetary nebulae — remnants of dead stars — are some of the most beautiful celestial objects. Learn why these cosmic cadavers shine the way they do and which are the most dazzling to observe.

pg. 84

Explore a lunar debris field

By Robert Burnham

Impacts transformed the region of lunar crater Janssen and the Vallis Rheita. The formation of huge, nearby basins pocked this area, making it look like a galactic battlefield.

pg. 88

Meet Mr. Eclipse

By Bob Berman

Globetrotting NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak tells people when and where to go to view solar and lunar eclipses.

pg. 90

Backpack this scope

By Phil Harrington

Costing less than $100, Celestron’s ExploraScope, the latest offering for young skygazers, is a bargain.

pg. 98

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