Astronomy March 2005

COVER STORY
The weirdest star in the sky
What’s going on inside SS 433, a strange star discovered more than 25 years ago, remains a mystery today. RAY VILLARD

GALACTIC ASTRONOMY
Descendants of the Dipper
The Big Dipper’s extended family tells astronomers about the behavior of young stars and the chemical evolution of our galaxy. KEN CROSWELL

INTERVIEW
Coyne of the realm
Father George Coyne, the Vatican’s chief astronomer, discusses faith, science, and big telescopes with Astronomy’s editors FRANCIS REDDY

A DEEP-SKY YEAR
Explore the spring sky
Springtime’s night sky is resplendent with double stars, galaxies, and star clusters for you to observe. IAN RIDPATH

AMATEUR ASTRONOMY
Join the search for space rocks
Amateur astronomers are discovering hordes of asteroids. You can, too. DAVID HEALY

ASTRONOMICAL HISTORY
Striking ancient skies
Ancient Greeks and Romans minted celestial images on their coins, letting us see the sky through their eyes. RICHARD JAKIEL AND JERRY ARMSTRONG

PROFILE
A planetary pioneer
Walter Haas bridged the gap between amateur and professional astronomers when he founded the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers in 1947. TRUDY E. BELL

TELESCOPE REVIEW
Meade’s new 14-inch SCT: an instant classic
A computer-controlled giant, this new Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope combines great optics and superb mechanical design. MIKE MARCOTTE