Astronomy July 2016

The Milky Way through thick and thin
by Bruce Dorminey
Astronomers studying our galaxy's vertical structure are teasing out details about how our home system evolved.

Falling behind on asteroid follow-ups
by Ilima Loomis
Powerful surveys are discovering asteroids at a faster rate than ever before, but most of these Earth-approaching asteroids never get a second glance.

Behind the scenes at Kennedy Space Center
by David J. Eicher
The home of American space flight is bursting with memories — and ready to host the launches of today and tomorrow.

Target our galaxy's dark nebulae
by Richard P. Wilds
Pull up a chair, and spend some time away from the light.

Explore Earth's big impacts
by Mike Reynolds
Earth has a long history of asteroid strikes, and some intriguing scars remain.

Seek exoplanets from your backyard
by Dennis Conti
Learn how amateur astronomers can help professionals study worlds outside our solar system.

The quest for distant Pluto
by Richard Talcott
This newly revealed world at the solar system's edge makes a tempting target through amateur telescopes as it reaches peak visibility early this summer.