Features

Why is the solar system cosmically aligned?

The solar system seems to line up with the largest cosmic features. Is this mere coincidence or a signpost to deeper insights?

Web extra: From COBE to WMAP

Two space telescopes, the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), revealed the beginnings of today’s universe and forever changed cosmology.

Does life exist on this exoplanet?

Just 10 light-years away, the Sun-like star Epsilon Eridani anchors a planetary system that may hold the seeds of life.

Web extra: In search of habitable worlds

Exploring one of Earth’s nearest stars may reveal a planetary system where the seeds of life may already be growing.

The Large Binocular Telescope opens both eyes

A unique observatory now taking shape atop Arizona’s Mount Graham will one day best the Hubble Space Telescope.

Web extra: How the LBT came to be

Getting the Large Binocular Telescope to “first light” required top engineering – and a little luck.

BONUS PULLOUT!

Astronomy’s sky guide tells
you what’s up year-round.

Tour the sky’s reddest stars

Target these crimson beauties, and you’ll be seeing red all year long.

Astronomy.com gets an extreme makeover

With a fresh style and new features, Astronomy’s web site covers the science and hobby of astronomy like no other.

15 tips for observing Mars

Don’t miss the Red Planet this December because it won’t look any better until 2016.

Web extra: Mars observing tips

Here are more ways you can make the most of your telescope time.

Stargazers’ sweet spots

What’s your favorite place to observe? Astronomy asked amateurs to reveal their best sites.

Web extra: Your observing sweet spots

Amateur astronomers across the country shared these images with us of their favorite places to observe the stars.

The Skypod mount performs superbly

Vixen’s computerized mount is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use.

Departments

This month in Astronomy
Beautiful universe
Letters
Bob Berman’s strange universe
Glenn Chaple’s observing basics
Phil Harrington’s binocular universe

Web extra: Winter’s swarming fireflies

Stephen James O’Meara’s secret sky
Astro news
The sky this month
New products
Coming events
Advertiser index
Reader gallery