Astronomy February 2015

NASA sets its sights on Pluto
by S. Alan Stern
Twenty-five years in the making, New Horizons is now closing in on Pluto.

The telescope at the end of the world
by Yvette Cendes
To understand the events that followed the Big Bang, cosmologists are chasing its light from Antarctica.

How astronomers hear stellar heartbeats
by Jaymie Matthews
Like doctors scanning a patient's body, astronomers are peering inside distant stars to investigate their state.

Discover Orion's deep-sky gems
by Stephen James O'Meara
The beauty and variety of objects in this constellation will keep you warm even on the coldest nights.

A colorful take on northern skies
by Gordon Haynes
Although this British amateur was a bit late to astroimaging, his dedication and superb equipment have moved him into the hobby's upper echelon.

7 wonders of the Milky Way
by Michael E. Bakich
We have settled the debate. Here — chosen by you — are the most popular deep-sky treats in our galaxy.

iOptron's CEM60 mount tested
by Phil Harrington
Accurate tracking, lack of backlash, and the ability to handle large loads make the CEM60 mount a serious contender to carry your scope.