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North America’s Grand Eclipse, Exploring Leo, and Mapping our Galactic Backyard
In the April 2024 issue of Sky & Telescope, it’s showtime! The total solar eclipse that we’ve been anticipating for years, maybe even as far back as 2017, is finally here. Now, we’re providing information on when, where, and how to observe the eclipse. We also have a guide to listening to the eclipse through an AM radio (an especially useful project if it’s cloudy!) as well as the story about the eclipse that ignited the discipline of solar physics. And if you’re interested in other stars besides our own Sun, we’ve got loads of those, too! From interesting individual stars to entire galaxies full of them, a smorgasbord of sights awaits you in Leo, the Lion. Also in this issue, we follow the life cycle of a neutron star and map our local area of the Milky Way.
FEATURE ARTICLES:
An innovative technique is revealing our suburb of the Milky Way in new and surprising detail.
By Catherine Zucker
Are you brave enough to enter and discover what treasures this celestial feline hoards?
By Scott Harrington
Eclipse Expeditions that “Discovered” the Sun
In the mid–19th century, astronomers were astounded to see unexpected and spectacular phenomena during totality.
By Trudy E. Bell
Adventures of a Millisecond Magnetar
Join us on a fanciful expedition through the life cycle of a neutron star.
By Zach Cano
Observe April’s Eclipse with Your AM Radio
As the Moon’s shadow glides across North America, you’ll have a chance to hear the eclipse as it happens.
By Joe Rao
Beyond the Printed Page:
Learn how to build your own Sun funnel for watching the solar eclipse with a group.
Check out all the eclipse resources available on our website.
See weather predictions in your area for the day of the eclipse.
Find out exactly what time during the day on April 7th the Moon will cover Venus in your area.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
On April evenings, try to envision this delightful, animated star pattern.
By Stephen James O’Meara
This month’s total solar eclipse is the first visible across the U.S. since 2017 and the last of that nature until 2045.
By Bob King
The origin of these meandering lava channels is surprisingly complex.
By Charles A. Wood
Astrophotography With a Portrait Lens
Creating more detailed astrophotos requires a boost in focal length.
By Tony Puerzer
Table of Contents
See what else April’s issue has to offer.
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