Astronomy & Observing News

Black Hole Spins as Fast as It Can

A black hole has been measured spinning more than 950 times per second, about as fast as it can theoretically go under the laws of physics.

Astronomy & Observing News

International Sidewalk Astronomy Night

Saturday, May 19th, is the first International Sidewalk Astronomy Night. Join amateur astronomers from around the world and share the heavens with anyone interested in viewing a planet or star.

Resources and Education

Occultations by Possible Rings of Pluto

Photometric recordings of Pluto passing near stars, as on the night of May 11-12, 2007, could reveal if it has a ring system.

Equipment: Guides & Recommendations

First look: Backyard Observatories, FAR Laboratories, and more at NEAF

More gadgets you might have missed at the Northeast Astronomy Forum.

Looking east at dawn

Celestial News & Events

Red Planet Rising

Now that mornings are getting warmer, it's far less daunting to get out of your warm bed and do some early-morning stargazing. But if you need some added motivation to set that alarm, look no further than Mars.

Astronomy & Observing News

Another Saturnian Masterpiece!

Isn't it great to have a spacecraft orbiting Saturn? Yesterday the Cassini orbiter's imaging team released a new batch of photos that show off the majesty of the Ringed Planet.

Resources and Education

Outburst of the Eta Aquarids?

A very old dust trail from Halley's Comet could enhance this meteor shower on May 6, 2007.

Astronomy & Observing News

New Horizons at Jupiter

Good fortune shined upon the New Horizons spacecraft as it flew by Jupiter in February, to the delight of scientists who wanted to examine the "Small Red Spot," the planet's rings, hot lava on Io, and much more.

ASP

Astronomy & Observing News

Wanted: Female Amateur Astronomers

You're invited to participate in a survey of the interests, attitudes, and experiences of girls and women in amateur astronomy.

Celestial News & Events

See Vesta at Its Brightest!

This odd asteroid hasn't been so close to Earth in 18 years, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to spot with your eyes alone.

Astronomy & Observing News

SOFIA Takes Flight

NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a telescope-toting 747SP jetliner, has successfully completed its first test flight.

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Astronomical Amazement Awaits in June's S&T

Don't miss out on this month's issue of Sky & Telescope, on newsstands now. In addition to the stunning astrophotos, detailed star charts, and essential observing tips you expect to find month after month, the latest issue features some wonderful surprises.

Astronomy & Observing News

See You at the Telescope Show

The East Coast's biggest astronomy trade show is April 28–29. The 16th annual event includes a full schedule of speakers and workshops, as well as an exhibit hall full of celestial-equipment vendors.

Super-Earth around Gliese 581

Astronomy & Observing News

"Super-Earth" Found

Astronomers have detected a planet around a nearby star that's not too cold, not too hot, and not much bigger than Earth.

Carina Nebula

Astronomy & Observing News

Happy Anniversary Hubble!

Astronomers release a mind-boggling view of the Carina Nebula to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Equipment: Guides & Recommendations

Learning from the Masters: A Guide to Astrophotgraphy With DSLR Cameras

Teaching specialized Photoshop techniques for astronomical imaging has become a cottage industry. This year alone we found five offerings worthy of mention.

Equipment: Guides & Recommendations

Filtering the Skyglow

Omega Optical, a supplier of filters for the Hubble Space Telescope and the Mars Exploration Rovers, has entered the consumer market.

Equipment: Guides & Recommendations

Little Shooter: Orion StarBlast Imaging System

You don’t have to break the bank to join the ranks of deep-sky astrophotographers with Orion’s StarBlast 4.5 Imaging System.

Equipment: Guides & Recommendations

Learning from the Masters: Photoshop Tutorials

Teaching specialized Photoshop techniques for astronomical imaging has become a cottage industry. This year alone we found five offerings worthy of mention.

Equipment: Guides & Recommendations

Pocket Full of Stars: Pocket Sky Atlas

The Pocket Sky Atlas has quickly become the atlas of choice whenever one of us is headed outside for naked-eye or binocular observing.