December 1997
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
On the Trail of Rogue Planets
A few scientists believe that most galaxies harbor a thousand trillion planets unattached to any star.
Vulcan Chasers
Why does Mercury travel a different path than Newton’s laws predict? For several decades, many astronomers believed an inner planet was at fault.
Digging for Gold
A near-Earth asteroid just one kilometer across could prove to be a gold mine for precious metals.
Astronomy’s Feisty Old Man
Despite half a century as the greatest living observational cosmologist, Allan Sandage remains an outcast for his views on the size and age of the universe.
The Triumph of Hipparcos
How can the most ancient stars appear older than the universe itself? Recent results from the European Hipparcos satellite may finally solve this mystery.
Raising Astronomers
It’s not hard to get kids hooked on astronomy. All it takes is some innovative classroom programs – or a crystal-clear night under the stars.
Touring a Stellar Graveyard
A colorful group of compact planetary nebulae awaits backyard observers who crank up the power.
Getting the Right Start
Looking for a good, low-cost scope? This 4.25-inch reflector you build from a kit could do the trick.
Ask Astro
The editors of ASTRONOMY answer your questions about the sky and the universe.
Departments
Behind the Scenes
Talking Back
AstroNews
Sky Show
New Products
Astronomy Books
AstroBytes
Looking Ahead
Resources
Advertiser Index
Hot Shots
Ultimate Exposure