March/April 2008

Volume 4. Number 2. Issue 28

COVER STORY

The Arctic-Asian Solar Eclipse of August 2008

Want to see this year's only total solar eclipse? Your best bet for a view on solid ground involves a journey to meet the Moon's shadow as it crosses Siberia and northern China.

By Fred Espenak and Jay Anderson

NEWS & FEATURES

News Notes

• When Galaxies Collide

• Is Dark Energy a Mirage?

• Does WR 104 Threaten Earth?

and more...

Spotlight On...Majestic M74

Is this the "Perfect Galaxy"? Take a close look at this grand-design spiral galaxy.

By Greg Bryant

In Search of Aboriginal Astronomy

Were Aboriginal Australians the world's first astronomers? Scientists are exploring the evidence that has already been unearthed.

By Ray Norris

The Astounding Comet Holmes

An obscure comet beyond Mars exploded into view last October, giving skygazers an unexpected treat.

By John E. Bortle

Alien Earths from A to Z

Planets of diamond, planets of burning-hot ice, iron-giant worlds where you'd weigh a tonne - astronomers may soon be finding these and more.

By Sara Seager

The Exoplanet and the Amateurs

Backyard observers help pin down a distant world's nature.

By Robert Naeye

Hipparcos' Star Distances Get Better

The sphere of stars whose distances are accurately known just grew from 200 to 600 light-years out.

By Roger W. Sinnott

Stromlo Reborn

An exciting new vision lies in store for Stromlo Observatory.

By Matt Watson

Discoveries

The telescope gets its name

By David Ellyard

PRODUCTS & REVIEWS

AS&T Test Report

iOptron's Capable Cube

For surprisingly little money, you can get a well-functioning computerised drive on a sturdy stainless steel mount.

By Gary Seronik

New Product Showcase

Books & Beyond

• The Birth of Stars and Planets

• Kaleidoscope Sky

• Science Educators Under the Stars

• AutoStar CCD Photometry

OBSERVING & EXPLORING

Binocular Highlight

A Pearl

By Les Dalrymple

Tonight's Sky

Autumn's Milky Way

By Greg Bryant

Sun, Moon, and Planets

Mercury and Venus shine at dawn

By Greg Bryant

A Trio in Virgo

By Greg Bryant

Exploring The Moon

The Rings of Imbrium

By Charles A. Wood

Celestial Calendar

A Full Platter of Comets

By David Seargent

Celestial Calendar

An Abundance of Occultations

By Steve Kerr

Targets

Wonders of the Crab and the Lion

By Sue French

Deep Sky Delights

The Raven's Call

By Les Dalrymple

ACTIVITIES & PEOPLE

Telescope Workshop

Cooldown Confusion

By Gary Seronik

Mastering Your Finderscope

Can't find what you're looking for in your telescope? Here's the remedy!

By Tony Flanders

Star Trails

The Accidental Comet

By David Levy

Community News

By Mike Salway

Ask AS&T

• Lunar Paradox

• Slip of the Stick

Astronomy Online

Lunar Roundup

By Stuart J. Goldman

Gallery

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Spectrum

2009 Approaches

By Greg Bryant

Letters

• The Search for Other Worlds

• The Dynamics of Dynamic Range

and more

Subscription Offer

WIN a SkyWatcher Digital Spotting Scope. See our offer

Manufacturer & Dealer Directory

Focal Point

The day the Universe changed

By Todd Cole

Index to Advertisers