Astronomy May 2003

Big glass
The past decade has seen an explosion of giant optical telescopes, which have started to change the way we see the universe. — William Schomaker

Big science
Gone are the days of lone a astronomers toiling in remote observatories. While some still a prefer to go it alone, research groups are getting larger, a and the stakes are getting higher.
— Steve Nadis

Catch a celestial tango
The universe is littered with the strange wreckage of colliding galaxies — explosive structures that illuminate Nature’s violent dance. — Pamela L. Gay

Can minorities break astronomy’s glass ceiling?
Members of the AAS Minorities Committee talk with Astronomy editors about their continuing efforts to be recognized.

Coma Berenices
Dozens of Coma-Virgo galaxy cluster members and Messier objects are among the deep-sky wonders that decorate Berenice’s Hair. — Tom Polakis

Eclipse extravaganza
May offers a double dose for eclipse watchers, with a total lunar eclipse followed by an annular eclipse of the Sun two weeks later. Find out how to get the best seat in the house for both events. — Martin Ratcliffe

The STV: Video camera, CCD, or autoguider?
Easier than three instruments, faster than your old desktop. It’s a CCD. It’s a video camera. No, wait: It’s the STV multipurpose camera by Santa Barbara Instrument Group. — David Healy

Eclipses and transits
Three celestial showstoppers occur this month — a lunar and a solar eclipse, and a transit of Mercury across the Sun.
— Phil Harrington

SkyQuest: Easy exploring
Make observing a simple joy again. Orion’s SkyQuest Dobs provide an easy and affordable way to explore the heavens.
— Glenn Chaple

High-power twin optics
Giant binoculars reveal a universe of detail by fully utilizing the factory-installed human optical system. — Phil Harrington