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Galaxy Clusters, Auriga, and Upcoming Solar Eclipses
In the January 2025 issue of Sky & Telescope, we’re diving into the galactic demolition derby that is galaxy clusters. With so many behemoths in one place, no one is left unscathed. Will one mega-galaxy come out on top, or will they end up as mere husks of their former selves, stripped of their dust and even their galactic disks? To snag the smaller members of these galaxy clusters we’ll need to capture very fine detail, so we push our astrophotography rigs to the max by fine-tuning the pixel scale. Once our cameras are ready, we’ll also point them towards Auriga. The celestial Charioteer hides a variety of bright deep-sky objects to explore, so grab your 10-inch and join us on a journey high in the eastern sky.
FEATURE ARTICLES:
Collections of galaxies might look serene through your telescope, but those groups and clusters are rollicking places.
By Chris Mihos
This easily recognizable constellation harbors a smorgasbord of delights.
By Scott Harington
Upcoming Solar Eclipses: 2025 to 2035
Here’s your guide to when and where to watch the Moon cross in front of the Sun.
By Joe Rao
When astronomers discovered monstrous rings in the radio sky, they began a journey to uncover the objects’ origins.
By Monica Young
Pixel Scale for Deep-Sky Imaging
Here’s how you can get all the fine details your gear can deliver.
By Ron Brecher
Beyond the Printed Page:
Participate in the Astronomical League’s Sketching Observing Program.
Help astronomers observe the Gaia Space Observatory during its “end-of-life” tests.
Astrophotography Equipment Calculator
Find the optimum astrophotography setup for your skies.
Use S&T’s online tool to observe Mars during its opposition this month.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Several pairings of planets and stars offer a chance to test your color perception.
By Stephen James O’Meara
The Red Planet’s draw is irresistible even during a relatively distant opposition.
By Bob King
Syrtis Major is an iconic Martian feature that has changed dramatically over the years
By Thomas A. Dobbins
These modest deep-sky treasures in eastern Taurus are within range of backyard telescopes.
By Ken Hewitt-White
Table of Contents
See what else January’s issue has to offer.
Comments
Larry McHenry
January 10, 2025 at 7:43 pm
hi,
Just wanted to write to let you know that I enjoyed reading Matt Wedel's Binocular Highlight article on page 43 in the January Sky & Telescope issue.
I've already taken his advice to sketch the OB1b association around Orion's Belt,,, way back in 1993! LOL.
Back then, I was inspired by an article in the January 1986 Sky & Tel - "In Pursuit Of O-B Associations" by Joseph Caruso in Dennis di Cicco's 'Observers Page' column.
Using the table data from the article, I used my little 80mm University Optics 'Super Finder' to visually sketch 19 of the OB Associations listed.
I also created a webpage of my observations: https://www.stellar-journeys.org/OB-Tour.htm
Please pass my thanks on to Matt for another great column.
Larry McHenry
Pittsburgh, Pa.
https://www.stellar-journeys.org/
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RosyRock
December 29, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Hello, i want to reach out because since October, i have not received the physical magazine. I came back because my father really likes you guys and how detailed your magazines are, but i can't keep printing the magazines when i pay to receive the physical magazine.
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Monica Young
December 30, 2025 at 9:12 am
Hi RosyRock, I'm sorry you're experiencing problems with the delivery of the print magazine. If you can reach out to our subscriber services at [email protected], they will be able to assist you with checking your address and ensuring those print magazines are delivered.
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