Astronomy July 2004

Jupiter’s water worlds
The icy surfaces of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto shroud oceans of liquid water, and one of these could harbor life within its depths. — Robert Pappalardo

How Earth got its Moon
The label “double planet,” which often is applied to Earth and the Moon, carries some ironies. The pair that exists today is the result of a gigantic collision between a different, earlier “double planet” pair. — Paul D. Spudis

Did NASA fake the Moon landing?
A television show more than thirty years after the fact did not disprove that we landed six pairs of astronauts on the Moon. Most Americans believe that statement. Still, you may be interested in how we can prove it. — Ray Villard

To the cosmic edge
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope’s Advanced Camera for Surveys have taken the deepest visible-light image ever, capturing thousands of galaxies out to the edge of the universe. — Frank Sietzen, Jr.

Visions of space
Imagine having a ringside seat at the most magnificent cosmic events; space artists provide such a vantage point, allowing anyone to take vicarious journeys through the universe. — Andrew Fazekas

Touchdown at Tranquillity
This month, we celebrate the 35th landing of Apollo 11 on the Moon. So dust off your telescope and follow along as we take a detailed look at Tranquillity Base and its surroundings. — Robert Burnham

A visit to the planetarium
A universe of wonder under a dome near you, a planetarium brings much more than the night sky to visitors. Get a behind-the-screens look at planetaria and see where the field is headed. — Michael E. Bakich

Star power
The largest telescope manufacturer continues to improve one of its most popular products. How good can this telescope get? You’re about to find out. — Steve Edberg