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Cosmic Adventures: The search for extraterrestrial intelligence

In this new episode, Liz and Bill talk seriously and scientifically about aliens. Watch the video »

2012 Youth Essay Contest

Tell us what you love most about astronomy and win a trip to the 2012 Northeast Astronomy Forum in Suffern, New York. Learn more »

New video! Buying Binoculars

Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich tells you what to look for when picking out this handy piece of observing equipment. Check it out »

News

The week in pictures: January 21–27, 2012

"The week in pictures" highlights the amazing discoveries and cutting-edge res... Read more »

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Picture of the Day

The ISS transits the Sun

The International Space Station (ISS) crosses in front of the Sun’s face in this 20-image composite. At the time of this image, the Sun stood 26° abov... Read more »

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Web Extras for Magazine Subscribers

Go deeper into the stories of Astronomy magazine. These online features bring you additional research, interviews, photos, and more our editors turned up while creating the stories for this issue.

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See more SOFIA

Whether on the ground or in the air, NASA’s flying observatory is a wonder to behold.

The first test of Einstein's gravity

Scientists first found evidence that general relativity was correct about four years after Einstein published his theory.

Catch May's annular eclipse

Find the details about the event for your location.

Our Blogs

Staff Blog

Here’s meteorite in your eye!
Posted: 1/26/2012 9:15:00 AM
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It’s all in the instrument renaming
Posted: 1/24/2012 9:57:00 AM
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Kids: It’s time to tell us what you love most about astronomy!
Posted: 1/17/2012 12:14:00 PM
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Dave's Universe

Heads up for NEAF, coming in April!
Posted: 1/27/2012 1:13:00 PM
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Amazing new picture of where you live
Posted: 1/26/2012 10:20:00 AM
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Astronomy magazine co-sponsors ALCon 2012 in Chicago
Posted: 1/25/2012 2:02:00 PM
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Equipment

Astronomy tests two tracking mounts

Earth’s rotation creates a problem for photographers who want to image ... Read more

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Celestron X-Cel LX 18mm Eyepiece

Celestron’s 1¼" X-Cel LX 18mm Eyepiece incorporates six elements of ful... Read more.

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Explore Scientific 9mm 120° Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Deep Sky Eyepiece

Explore Scientific’s 9mm 120° Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Deep Sky E... Read more.

March 2012: Einstein was right!

This month’s issue of Astronomy provides more evidence that Einstein’s theory of gravity remains uncontested, studies the doomed systems around white dwarfs, looks forward to the three solar events of 2012, teaches how to create free observing charts, and much more.Read more.

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PODCASTS

Open clusters NGC 2266 and NGC 2331, barred spiral galaxy NGC 2336, and emission nebula Sharpless 2–301

January 26–February 2, 2012: Open clusters NGC 2266 and NGC 2331 in Gemini offer small-telescope owners nice views, while large-telescope owners can seek out barred spiral galaxy NGC 2336 in Camelopardalis and emission nebula Sharples 2–301 in Canis Major. Read more.

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Online Poll

How cold does it have to be for you to skip observing?

50° F/10° C to 30° F/-1° C
30° F/-1° C or below
I live in a warm-weather climate, so it isn't an issue.
As long as it isn't snowing or raining, I'll be out there.

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Astronomy PLUS Features

Astronomy magazine subscribers have exclusive access to this premium content and more.

StarDome Plus Map stars, comets, asteroids, and more for your location	Star Atlas Zoom through 45,000 stars on 24 interactive maps	Sky this Month March: Mars returns to glory

Columnists Expert observers help you make the most out of the sky	Ask Astro Astronomy answers your questions	Web Extras Go deeper into the stories printed in Astronomy

Special Issues and More

Astronomy Magazine:The Complete Collection 1973-2010

Discover Decades of Valuable Data on DVD.

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World's Greatest Telescopes

For 400 years, telescopes have helped us gaze out at the universe. Now the focus shifts back to the instruments themselves in Astronomy’s new special issue, The World’s Greatest Telescopes!

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50 Weirdest Objects in the Cosmos

The collection of oddities will introduce you to strange objects you may not know and help you look at a few familiar objects in a different light!

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2012 Deep Space Mysteries Calendar

This calendar is filled with stunning images of stars, planets, galaxies, and other deep space wonders.

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