April 2013

This issue is currently out of stock and will not be reprinted.

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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.

Skyfire: The impending birth of our supergalaxy

By Ray Villard

The Andromeda Galaxy is on a collision course with the Milky Way. What effects will this cosmic crash have on future astronomers?

pg. 24

Web Extra: When galaxies collide

By Richard Talcott

Although the Milky Way’s scheduled collision with the Andromeda Galaxy in a few billion years may be the most spectacular galaxy smash-up on our horizon, it’s not the only cosmic crash astronomers have studied. Watch these computer simulations for a taste of what gravity can fashion.

What string theory tells us about the universe

By Sten Odenwald

A universe with 10 dimensions forms the backbone of a grand theory that describes astronomers’ observations. The race is on to prove it.

pg. 30

Web Extra: The universe’s extra dimensions

By Liz Kruesi

For superstring theory to work, our cosmos must have another six dimensions. Where are they hiding?

The reluctant astronomer

By Andy Burns, Nick Howes

A brilliant chemist and mathematician, John Herschel could have chosen many careers. Instead, he took up the “sacred duty” started by his father.

pg. 44

Web Extra: John Herschel’s notes from the Cape