July/August 2008
Volume 4. Number 4. Issue 30
COVER STORY
Hubble's Last Service
This Spring, the much-loved Hubble Space Telescope will receive one final visit by astronauts from the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
By Greg Bryant
NEWS & FEATURES
News Notes
• A Naked-Eye Gamma-Ray Burst
• Cassini's Saturn Mission Extended
• Swinburne teams up with Keck
and more...
Spotlight On...The Carina Nebula
One of the sky's most delightful sights has much to reveal.
By Peter Ward
A Bump in the Night
Thirty years ago, an accidental discovery forever changed how we think about far-flung Pluto.
By Govert Schilling
Parched Planet
Venus is nearly Earth's twin in size and mass. So why is it so utterly dry?
By Donald F. Robertson
NASA's New Gamma-Ray Trailblazer
A new satellite promises to provide our best look at the most powerful beacons in the universe.
By Robert Naeye
How to Hunt for Supernova Fossils in the Milky Way
They're out there, moving silently in the night: echoes of ancient supernovae. More are awaiting discovery - possibly by you.
By Douglas L. Welch
Discoveries
Parkes and the first Quasar
By David Ellyard
PRODUCTS & REVIEWS
Books & Beyond
• The Man Behind the Belts
• Sunday Is Fun Day
AS&T Test Report
A Powerful 12-inch Telescope for Observers
Sky-Watcher's new 12-inch dobsonian provides excellent value for money.
By Les Dalrymple
OBSERVING & EXPLORING
Binocular Highlight
The Lagoon
By Les Dalrymple
Tonight's Sky
South of Scorpius
By Greg Bryant
Sun, Moon, and Planets
Evening Planetary Gatherings
By Greg Bryant
Celestial Calendar
Pluto's Slow Departure
By Alan MacRobert
Celestial Calendar
Comet Boattini - A Naked-Eye Show?
By David Seargent
Celestial Calendar
Cold Weather Occultations
By Steve Kerr
Exploring The Moon
The Crater Main Sequence
By Charles A. Wood
Deep Sky Delights
Tough Sagittarius Globulars
By Les Dalrymple
Targets
Scuttling Around the Scorpion
By Sue French
ACTIVITIES & PEOPLE
Layer Magic for Your Astrophotos
Unleash the full potential of your celestial photographs with Photoshop layer masks
By R. Scott Ireland
Telescope Workshop
Taming a Monster Scope
By Gary Seronik
Messier Star Party 2008
By Perry Vlahos
Club Profile
Astronomical Society of Victoria
By Perry Vlahos
South Pacific Star Party 2008
By Mike Salway
Gallery
The Astros
Community News
Ask AS&T
• The Sun's Galactic Orbit
• No Leap of Faith
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Spectrum
Digging for Supernovae
By Greg Bryant
Letters
• Sydney Observatory's History
• Dog Catcher
and more
Subscription Offer
FREE Star Disc! See our offer
Manufacturer & Dealer Directory
Focal Point
Science or Spacemen?
By Steven Weinberg
Index to Advertisers