Astronomy October 2005

Making multiverses
New twists on old theories suggest our universe may be one of many that exist. STEVE NADIS

The accident that saved the Big Bang
While adjusting an antenna, two astronomers made one of the greatest discoveries of all time. JAMES TREFIL

The return of cosmic strings
Long, thin, dense strands of primordial matter may wind their way through the universe. STEVE NADIS

Beyond Einstein
NASA’s new spacecraft will probe the nature of dark energy, black holes, and gravity waves. CHRISTOPHER WANJEK, ANNE KINNEY, AND NICHOLAS WHITE

Blasting the past
Deep Impact’s mission went off without a hitch, as it slammed into a comet’s nucleus. RICHARD TALCOTT

What makes black holes tick?
See inside a black hole like never before. RICHARD TALCOTT

Hitch a ride on a cosmic spiral
The Andromeda Galaxy offers a rich history of discovery, folklore, and science. RAYMOND SHUBINSKI

How stars got named
Star names can be fascinating and beautiful. They also can be confusing. MICHAEL COVINGTON

Invisible observatory
Observe the stars and preserve your yard’s aesthetics with this clever design. KENNETH D. WHEAT

Anchored to the stars
A permanent observing site lets this astroimager pursue his celestial quarry quickly and easily. GEORGE GREANEY