Inside the January 2022 Issue

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The Cosmic Web, Comet Highway, and First Deep-Sky Atlas

In the January 2022 issue of Sky & Telescope, we discuss what to look for when purchasing a lens for astrophotography. Unfortunately, we can’t take images sharp enough to spot the hidden filaments that connect galaxies using our new lenses. But professional telescopes are gradually revealing hints of these intriguing structures. While, astronomers have known about the cosmic web for years, they haven’t been able to observe it until now. If you’re up for a celestial challenge within range of amateur scopes, this issue has an observing scavenger hunt to test your deep-sky knowledge. We’re also diving into deep-sky history, specifically atlases. We sifted through antique star atlases to find the oldest one that can still help observers find deep-sky objects today.

FEATURE ARTICLES:

The Comet Highway

A region between Jupiter and Neptune serves as the on-ramp for icy bodies entering the inner solar system.

By Kat Volk

A Winter Scavenger Hunt

Transform your observing sessions by adding a new sense of adventure.  

By Ted Forte

Choosing the Best Lenses for Nightscapes

When nightscape photos fall short of expectations, chances are the problem is the lens.

By Alan Dyer

Untangling the Cosmic Web

Astronomers are slowly mapping the long-hidden filaments that connect galaxies.

By Govert Schilling

The First Deep-Sky Atlas

Can a classic star atlas still work for modern observers?  

By Ray Harris

Beyond the Printed Page:

Giant Cavity

Enjoy this interactive map of the Perseus-Taurus superbubble.

Call for Observers: Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann

Help astronomers catch outbursts from this comet.

Jupiter Impacts

Use the DeTeCt app to scrutinize your videos of Jupiter for potential impact flashes.

The Minima of Algol

Find the dates of Algol’s next eight minima using Sky & Telescope’s Minima of Algol observing tool.  

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

The Noble Hyades

The nearest open cluster is a naked-eye delight.

By Fred Schaaf

Bowling for Borrelly

January has a bite to it, but you can bite back by checking out a periodic comet.

By Bob King

Monitor Jupiter for Planet Strikes

Amateurs keep catching objects hitting Jupiter, and you can, too.

By Thomas A. Dobbins

A Milky Way Chariot Ride

Have a cool time touring the Leaping Minnow region of southern Auriga.

By Ken Hewitt-White

Table of Contents

See what else January's issue has to offer.