Inside the September 2021 Issue

Cygnus, Saturn’s Moons, and Solar Eclipse Photography

In the September 2021 issue of Sky & Telescope, we’re using binoculars to scan the skies around Cygnus, the Swan. Cygnus hides many spectacular objects in its feathers, like the Veil Nebula, a supernova remnant that holds a special place in many amateurs’ hearts. Meanwhile, physicists are going back in time to study an era that happened long before the star that exploded to create Cygnus’s Loop even began to form: We review what they’ve learned so far (and what they’re still hoping to figure out) about the universe’s earliest moments. Much closer to home, Saturn’s moons have thrown planetary scientists for a loop all their own. Observations from NASA’s Cassini mission initially led astronomers to consider that Saturn’s mid-size moons might be young. But investigating that possibility turned up some surprising revelations about what happens when moons orbit a giant planet.

FEATURE ARTICLES:

How Old Are Saturn’s Moons?

A deceptively simple question has caused planetary scientists to rethink some basic physics.

By Monica Young

The First 10 Seconds

Scientists are using their knowledge of fundamental physics to study the universe’s earliest moments and the origin of the first magnetic fields.

By David Garrison

The Five Veils of the Cygnus Loop

Immerse yourself in the ethereal supernova remnant in Cygnus.

By Howard Banich

Touring Cygnus with Binoculars

The celestial Swan is rich with Milky Way treasures for observers with binos and small scopes.

By Mathew Wedel

Interacting with Totality

Here’s how you can add a personal element to your solar eclipse photography.

By Eugen Kamenew

Beyond the Printed Page:

The Origins of Saturn’s Rings

Watch this simulation of one possible origin for Saturn’s rings.

Gateway Objects

Submit your observations of Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 to this pro-am project.

An Ephemeris for Photographers

Find out how natural light will look on the land anywhere on Earth at any date and time.

NASA’s Solar Eclipse Website

Learn all about past and future solar eclipses.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Little Gems in the Summer Triangle

Good things come in small packages.

By Fred Schaaf

Neptune and Pallas Pal Up at Opposition

The big blue planet and a big asteroid put on a show.

By Bob King

Saturn Gets the Blues

Look for this striking seasonal color change on the ringed planet.

By Thomas A. Dobbins

Submerged in Aquarius

At the confluence of two watery constellations are targets both decent and difficult.  

By Ken Hewitt-White

Table of Contents

See what else September's issue has to offer.