December 2002

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

Do You Believe in The Big Bang?

by Jim Sweitzer

Just one in three Americans believes the universe was created in a cosmic explosion. Here are five reasons why everyone should.

Dodging an Asteroid

by David L. Chandler

Astronomers have 900 years to avoid the possibility, albeit small, of a kilometer-wide asteroid impact with Earth.

Exposing Saturn's Secrets

by Alan Rubin

The mysteries of Saturn's rings exasperated Galileo. This information would've lowered his blood pressure.

Shadow Play around Jupiter

by Richard Talcott

Take eclipse watching to a new level. For the next year, Jupiter's four big moons will repeatedly obscure one another.

Celestial Portraits: Auriga

by Tom Polakis

Glittering clusters and vast gas clouds populate the Milky Way in the constellation of the Charioteer.

An Eye for Luxury

by Gregory Terrance

The 12.5-inch Ritchey-Chretien scope from RC Optical Systems proves an ideal choice for backyard astroimagers.

William Lassell - 19th Century Astronomer

by Richard Jakiel

Beer brewer William Lassell was the British "Grand Amateur" of the 19th century - an innovative instrument designer, telescope maker, and discoverer of planetary satellites and nebulae.