The cover of the July 2026 issue featuring a globular cluster
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Ancient Star Polluters, Small Observatories, and Viking Touchdowns

In the July 2026 issue of Sky & Telescope, astronomers have been studying the composition of stars in globular clusters, but the results weren’t adding up. Turns out, globulars might form their stars in waves, with early ultra-massive stars “polluting” some of the stars we see today. Take a look for yourself: We have three globular clusters for you to explore this month, along with a plethora of double stars and other deep-sky objects — all found in some of the night sky’s smallest constellations. So join our travels to small observatories across the U.S. that have spent the past two centuries pairing astronomical research with public outreach. For an amateur-built version, we’ll head to Virgina for a look at a stunning mansion built around a fourth-floor observatory with a retractable roof.

FEATURE ARTICLES:

Ancient Star Polluters

Strange stellar compositions are shedding light on globular clusters’ early years.

By Jan Hattenbach

First Feet on Mars

Fifty years ago, two NASA landers made history when they touched down on the Red Planet.

By Ben Evans

Explore Celestial Vistas Off the Beaten Path

Let’s take a deep dive into some of summer’s smaller constellations.

By Brian Ventrudo

The Clover Hollow Mountain Observatory

This residential rooftop facility puts unusual roof segments to good use.

By Paul Geithner

The Big Role of Small Observatories

How more than 300 U.S. observatories, many now forgotten, changed 1800s science.

By Trudy E. Bell

Beyond the Printed Page:

Custom Bino-Chair

Build your own bino-chair with these detailed plans.

Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Receive alerts from this enormous, state-of-the-art observatory.

Magellanic Transformations

Watch the Small Magellanic Cloud evolve right in front of us.

OB Associations

Read all about this little-known category of deep-sky objects.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Stars of Independence and Hope

Celebrate America’s independence this July 4th with Venus, Saturn, and Virgo.

By Stephen James O’Meara

A Month for Naked-Eye Planets

July offers the chance to view five (or six!) planets without the aid of optics.

By Gary Seronik

Close Shave on July Fourth

Distant siblings meet at dawn.

By Bob King

Border Denizens

A short star-hop across the Serpens-Ophiuchus boundary reveals a handful of deep-sky treasures.

By Ken Hewitt-White

Table of Contents

See what else July’s issue has to offer.

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