Sky & Telescope July 2009

FEATURED ARTICLES

Uncovering Mars's Secret Past
A new generation of rovers and orbiters is mapping the Red Planet's minerals — telltale clues to its watery history.
By Jim Bell

Searching for Exoplanet Moons
Astronomers may soon find moons around extrasolar planets, and amateurs might beat the professionals to the puch.
By David Kipping

Who Invented the Telescope
The story is not as simple as you've been told.
By Albert Van Helden

BEYOND THE PRINTED PAGE

A Herculean Galaxy Cluster
Abell 2199 offers endless delights to big-scope users. Click below to see the vital statistics of 72 of its brightest galaxies.
By

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

A Smart 12-inch Dob
This smooth operator combines an impressive set of features with big-aperture performance.
By Gary Seronik

Supernovae on a Shoestring
A backyard astronomer contributes valuable science with modest equipment.
By Thiam-Guan Tan

Table of Contents
See what else July's issue has to offer.