Near-infrared image of the Helix Nebula showing thousands of cometary knots

Astronomy & Observing News

What the Helix Nebula Has in Common with a Supernova Remnant

Sculpted gases in the Helix Nebula, revealed in a new Webb image, look like the firework-like tendrils in a distant amateur-discovered supernova remnant — here's why.

Artist's concept of the filaments of supernova remnant Pa 30

Astronomy & Observing News

Astronomers Map a Dandelion Supernova

Astronomers have, for the first time, mapped the 3D filamentary structure of a famous dandelion-shaped supernova remnant.

Astronomy & Observing News

Top 10 Astronomy News Stories of 2023

This year, we heard the low hum of gravitational waves criss-crossing the cosmos, observed a "ring of fire" solar eclipse, and applauded the arrival of asteroid samples. Here are Sky & Telescope's picks for the top news stories in astronomy this year.

Supernova fireworks

Astronomy & Observing News

White Dwarf Survived 850-year-old Supernova

A supernova that skywatchers in the Far East observed almost 850 years ago has produced the most unusual remnant astronomers have ever found

Deep Sky Prizes

Observing

Hidden Gems in Common Deep-Sky Objects

Many of the deep-sky objects we point our telescopes toward have pleasant surprises, some in plain sight, others hidden and more challenging. Let me introduce you to a few.