Astronomy January 2006

Top 10 astronomy stories of 2005
Spacecraft explored two planets and touched an asteroid, while astronomers puzzled over an errant space rock, larger galaxies, and a titanic explosion in space. FRANCIS REDDY

A fugitive from the galaxy’s edge
A century ago, a runaway star helped astronomers uncover the Milky Way’s structure. KEN CROSWELL

The woman who cracked the stellar code
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin laid the foundation of stellar astrophysics, fusing astronomy and the world of atoms.
C. RENEE JAMES

A field guide to other worlds
From hot Jupiters to pulsar planets, the Milky Way brims with strange planets. RICHARD TALCOTT

View the sky’s greatest nebula
On a brisk winter night, the Orion Nebula’s secrets beckon astronomers and observers alike. RAYMOND SHUBINSKI

Saturn spectacular
The ringed planet is now at its best until 2029, so make the most out of your time at the eyepiece. MARTIN RATCLIFFE

American skygazer
Jack Horkheimer talks about bringing the universe into millions of living rooms. WILLIAM SCHOMAKER

Eyes wide open
Say goodbye to eye fatigue by adding the Denkmeier Binoviewer to your observing kit. MIKE MARCOTTE