Astronomy March 2007

What secrets lurk in the brightest galaxies?
Violent, erratic behavior powers jets within blazars, the most manic galaxies. BRUCE DORMINEY

COVER STORY
Raising the curtain on extreme stars
Superdense neutron stars show astronomers exotic worlds of pressure, magnetism, and gravity. TOD E. STROHMEYER

What makes stars explode?
Sound waves in collapsing stars may produce supernova explosions. FRANCIS REDDY

The Livio Code
Astronomer Mario Livio believes symmetry rules the universe - from shapes of planetary nebulae to the complexities of the multiverse. ADAM FRANK

Touchdowns on other worlds
Thirty-nine spacecraft have returned data from 6 worlds. FRANCIS REDDY

See winter's best planetary nebulae
These easy-to-observe objects offer a variety of smoke rings, spheres, and colored disks. STEVE GOTTLIEB

How to choose a Hydrogen alpha filter
Add one of these filters to your observing kit, and you'll see the Sun in a whole new light. ROD POMMIER

How to search for supernovae
Amateur astronomers are finding more supernovae than ever. Follow these tips and join the hunt. DOUG RICH

Attend an Internet star party
Online astronomy groups let amateurs discuss observing, equipment, and the day''s hottest issues. PHIL HARRINGTON

Celestron's new Schmidt-Cassegrain
This new 6-inch telescope offers high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optics in a portable package. PHIL HARRINGTON