Astronomy January 2004

Journey to Saturn
If all goes according to plan, the Cassini spacecraft will run rings around the Voyager flybys of Saturn. And that’s not even counting the Huygens probe, which will parachute to the surface of the enigmatic moon Titan. — Alfred S. McEwen

Zeroing in on Titan
Not to be outdone by Cassini, the six instruments onboard the Huygens probe promise to unveil Saturn’s biggest moon.
— Richard Talcott

In the line of fire
Since their discovery in the ’70s, gamma-ray bursts have stumped astronomers. Now, research suggests these energetic blasts originate in the violent deaths of massive stars. — Steve Nadis

“Space flight is utter bilge.”
Despite skepticism and ridicule from scientists and the public alike, a small handful of dreamers kept faith in their vision of space flight and planned for the day when humanity would break loose from Earth. — Donald Yeomans

From heaven on Earth . . . into thin air
Last year, Astronomy’s tours to Alaska and Hawaii featured spectacular views of everything from the northern lights to the Southern Cross. This year’s excursions promise to be just as eventful. — Richard Talcott and David J. Eicher

Lunar Apennines
You’ll be scrambling to set up your scope after you read this fascinating story of crater formation and destruction in this rugged area of the Moon. — Robert Burnham

Orion’s StarBlast
Orion’s new telescope for kids offers a wide field of view, good images, portability, and low cost — and the best thing is you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy it. — Phil Harrington

Saturn in prime time
Take advantage of this year’s favorable appearance of Saturn. A longtime watcher of the Ringed Planet shares his helpful tips and techniques to enhance your observing. — Julius L. Benton, Jr.