Astronomy July 2015

Pluto: Up close and personal
by S. Alan Stern
Pluto will finally bask in the spotlight when New Horizons flies past this July.

In search of death plunge asteroids
by Mark Boslough
Imagine the science and the safety we could achieve by finding space rocks before they enter our atmosphere.

Get set for Asteroid Day
by David J. Eicher
On June 30, 2015, Asteroid Day will mark a milestone in awareness of the dangers of near-Earth asteroids.

Hunt the last planet
by Richard Talcott
While Pluto takes center stage with New Horizons’ arrival, backyard observers can get their own glimpse of this enigmatic world.

Set your sights on the Great Rift
by Alan Goldstein
This unrelenting chain of dark nebulae is mightily impressive when you know what to look for.

Catch some Moon rays
by Vincent S. Foster
Turn your scope toward a crater, crank up the power, and hope for illumination.

The nature of observing
by Stephen James O'Meara
Want to see the Orion Nebula’s hidden colors? First, take a walk to watch flowers in the moonlight.

Vacation with the stars
by Tom Trusock
If you've got some time off, check out these great astronomy travel ideas.

Go light with the Star Adventurer mount
by Mike Reynolds
Sky-Watcher USA’s mount is small, light, and accurate.