Year of the Comet
Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

PANSTARRS information

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

ISON information

Web Extras
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.
February 2013
04_RCW86a
When stars explode, their debris create beautiful images.
By Liz Kruesi // Published: December 21, 2012
Kilauea-still
From icy bodies to Sun-drenched planets, volcanic activity seethes throughout the solar system.
By Richard Talcott // Published: December 21, 2012
Orion-Nebula
On a brisk winter night, M42 beckons astronomers and observers alike.
By Michael E. Bakich // Published: December 21, 2012
Star-party
The United States plays host to dozens of large astronomy-community gatherings to expand your knowledge of the hobby.
By Karen Jennings // Published: December 21, 2012
Comet
Use these instructions to make your own versions of these celestial visitors.
By Bill Andrews // Published: December 21, 2012
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