Astronomy June 2005

GALAXIES
The hot, violent world of galaxy clusters
It’s a muddle in the middle. The gas in the center of galaxy clusters isn’t as cool as expected. Something is heating it, but what? STEVE NADIS

RESEARCH
Cycle of the Sun
Every 11 years, the Sun’s magnetic field bottoms out, reverses, and rebuilds. Scientists are beginning to understand why. GERRY BYRNE

COVER STORY
Neighborhood secrets
Can astronomers learn the origin and fate of the universe by examining stars next door? STEVE NADIS

GALACTIC ASTRONOMY
Catch the galactic carnival
The universe has spawned galaxies in many shapes and sizes, and backyard scopes let you sample all types of them. RICHARD JAKIEL

SPACE EXPLORATION
Fireworks on the Fourth
On July 4, Deep Impact will blow a hole in Comet Tempel 1. Don’t miss it. ALISTER LING

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Newton's universe
A veteran astrophotographer captures the cosmos with Canon’s Digital Rebel. JACK NEWTON

TECHNIQUES
Telescopes 101
Fifteen things you need to know before buying a telescope. MICHAEL E. BAKICH

TECHNIQUES
Easy imaging for everyone
Meade’s Deep Sky Imager slashes the cost of skyshooting and makes photographing the night sky a snap. MIKE MARCOTTE