Astronomy November 2006

COVER STORY
On the hunt for magnetars
Ten years ago, astronomers thought the idea of ultra-magnetized stars was crazy. Now, they know magnetars unleash mammoth bursts of energy. STEVE NADIS

Does life really need water?
NASA’s quest for life says, “Follow the water.” But is that nature’s only choice? STEVE NADIS

NASA targets distant worlds
New missions to the giant planets — and their moons — top planetary scientists’ wish lists. BRUCE MOOMAW

Making waves
Astronomers see incredible detail using a technique called interferometry. RICHARD TALCOTT; ILLUSTRATION BY ROEN KELLY

Observe fall's top galaxies
Not all galaxies fall under the category of "faint fuzzies." This list will rock your universe. MICHAEL E. BAKICH

Get ready for the Leonids
Moonless nights promise dozens of meteors per hour at this shower's peak. BILL COOKE

Mercury crosses the Sun
The elusive inner planet transits the Sun’s disk for the last time in 10 years. MICHAEL E. BAKICH