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The Origin of Life, Urban Astrophotography, and Solar System Rings
In the March 2026 issue of Sky & Telescope, we explore the possible origins of life on Earth — including the prospect that it could have arrived here from outer space. As we’re exploring other worlds in our search, we’ll also look at the many kinds of rings that can be found in our solar system, even around Centaur asteroids and dwarf planets. Luckily, Saturn and its rings are an excellent target for urban astrophotography, so come join us as we capture stunning astrophotos under city lights. Finally, we flip from light to dark to study the mysteries of dark energy and why its reality isn’t quite matching up with astronomers’ predictions.
FEATURE ARTICLES:
Loops of rocks, dust, and ice bedazzle a variety of worlds in the outer solar system.
By Arwen Rimmer
Leo I: A Small Galaxy with a Big Story
Hiding in plain sight, this object lies close to the Lion’s heart.
By Howard Banich
The beginnings of life on Earth (and perhaps elsewhere) are one of science’s most enduring mysteries.
By Christopher M. Graney & Dennis Danielson
Recent results hint that our standard picture of dark energy might not match reality.
By Paul Sutter
There’s a lot to image in the night sky, even under city lights.
By Robert Capon
Beyond the Printed Page:
Use our Satellite Tracker to spot the International Space Station and other bright satellites in action.
Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award
Nominate an amateur astronomer who has advanced the science of astronomy with their research for this amateur award.
Read Fred Espenak’s guide to photographing lunar eclipses.
Predict when there’ll be clear skies in your area with this handy tool.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Monoceros may not be the unicorn found in legend and children’s stories.
By Stephen James O’Meara
An Early Morning Total Lunar Eclipse
For most readers, this is the last time the Moon is completely immersed in Earth’s dark umbral shadow until 2029.
By Bob King
Today’s technology puts atmospheric details on this distant world within grasp.
By Thomas A. Dobbins
Faint blobs in the belly of the beast present a challenge for city stargazers.
By Tony Puerzer
Table of Contents
See what else March’s issue has to offer.
Comments
Larry McHenry
February 20, 2026 at 7:30 pm
"Orion OB1a Association" by Stephen James O'Meara - March 2026 Sky & Telescope issue
hi,
I wanted to thank Stephen James O'Meara for his 'Enchanting' and interesting article on page 12 in the March 2026 Sky & Telescope issue.
Also wanted to let him know that he is not alone in observing the OB Associations of Orion.
Back in the early 90's, I was inspired by an article in the January 1986 Sky & Telescope, "In Pursuit Of OB Associations", to use my 80mm refractor to visually sketch a number of the objects listed in that article.
(You can view my observations and finder charts at:https://www.stellar-journeys.org/OB-Tour.htm)
Hopefully, this article by Stephen, along with my article in the AL's June 2025 Reflector magazine - "Observing OB Associations", where I focused on the Orion associations, will encourage more amateurs to seek out and explore these often missed, but very rewarding celestial objects.
Please pass my thanks on to Stephen for another great column.
Larry McHenry
Pittsburgh, Pa.
https://www.stellar-journeys.org/
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