Astronomy November 2003

Order out of chaos
Like a flotilla of PT boats accompanying two giant aircraft carriers, dozens of dwarf galaxies surround and interact with the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies. Now, astronomers are finding our Local Group forms a microcosm of the universe at large. — Ray Villard

Absurd universe
All that we see is not all there is. In fact, what’s visible to us makes up only 0.5% of the total mass of the universe. Is that absurd? Find out in this intriguing story about dark matter and dark energy. — Michael S. Turner

Great balls of fire
Considered retirement homes for old stars, globular clusters have long been overlooked as objects of serious study. But their time to shine has come — these stellar communities display remarkable diversity and harbor some of the universe’s most intriguing characters. — Marcia Bartusiak

Exploring the Pinwheel
One of the largest galaxies in our Local Group is the Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as M33. We now know what lies within its vast spirals — objects waiting for amateurs to observe.
— Alan Goldstein

Diamonds in the rings
In a good year, observers are lucky to catch the Ringed Planet gliding in front of one moderately bright star. But this month presents two golden opportunities: Watch a couple of 8th-magnitude stars flicker and disappear before your very eyes.
— Alister Ling

A night with the Feras
Whether you are interested in astrophotography as an activity or you just enjoy looking at great celestial pictures, this pair of California amateurs has something for you.
— Bob and Janice Fera

Super scope buyer’s guide
If you are looking for that perfect holiday gift either for yourself or your loved one, the search is over. Astronomy reviews twenty-five tried-and-true telescopes that will delight newcomers and inspire seasoned observers.
— Michael E. Bakich