Inside the October 2024 Issue

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Southern Deep Sky, Asteroid-Crash Aftermath, and Astro-Travel Tips

In the October 2024 issue of Sky & Telescope, we’re taking an astro-vacation to the Southern Hemisphere! We’ve prepared a list of southern deep-sky objects to explore, a history of their discovery, and a guide on how to pack for all kinds of astrophotography adventures. What more could we ask for? Well, how about a close look at NASA’s successful Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and the upcoming Hera mission that will study the effects of its collision with Dimorphos. We’re also featuring a stunning infographic on NASA’s Europa Clipper mission. In addition, we’re covering the technique of using galaxy clusters’ gravity as galactic magnifying glasses, which astronomers use to study the galaxies far behind them. And we close things out with a look at the majestic treasures hiding in dim Camelopardalis, the Giraffe.

FEATURE ARTICLES:

Asteroid Impact: The Aftermath

Scientists’ attempt to change an asteroid’s course succeeded. Now, the Hera mission will give us an up-close look.

By Emily Lakdawalla

Glitter and a Ghost

Celestial treasures bright and dim highlight a region in western Camelopardalis.

By Ken Hewitt-White

Discovering the Southern Deep Sky

A small group of astronomers cataloged the telescopic wonders found south of -30°.

By Glen Cozens

Ancient Lights Magnified by Cosmic Lenses

Astronomers are using galaxy clusters to explore early stars and the nature of dark matter.

By José Diego & Steven Willner

Travel Tips for the Astro-Adventurer

Avoid these pitfalls as you head out to a dark-sky destination.

By Richard S. Wright, Jr.

Beyond the Printed Page:

Stellar Family Trees

Learn about how astronomers are tracking the origins of young star clusters.

Eclipsophile

Check Jay Anderson’s website for eclipse-day weather predictions.

SkyTour Livestream

Enjoy live observing and astronomy sky tours in real time.

The Lunar Observer

Read the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers’ monthly newsletter.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Twice-Told Tale of Ganymede

Two star patterns of the same mythical figure appear in the night sky this month.

By Stephen James O’Meara

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Soars at Dusk

Catch this icy solar system visitor at its brightest this month.

By Bob King

Take a Tour of Crisium

Subtle clues reveal the story of this quasi-circular lunar mare.

By Charles A. Wood

The Joys of RAW Image Data

Getting the most out of your astrophotos means shooting the correct file format.

By Richard S. Wright, Jr.

Table of Contents

See what else October’s issue has to offer.