Astronomy October 2004

Beyond Hubble
The Hubble Space Telescope has delivered stunning science for more than a decade, but it won’t last forever. Astronomers are considering what a successor might look like. RAY VILLARD

Cassini reaches Saturn
After a journey of 7 years and 2.2 billion miles, the Cassini spacecraft finally is in orbit around Saturn. Read about its historic arrival and see the sharpest images ever of the ringed planet. RICHARD TALCOTT

The star-splitting jets of supernovae
Astrophysicists invoke jets of matter moving near the speed of light to explain super-energetic supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. FRANCIS REDDY

Toutatis shoots past Earth
A fast-flying space rock the size of Gibraltor will zoom past Earth late in September. A finder chart and observing tips will help you see this object. ALISTER LING

Venus transit trips
More than 30,000 miles total travel distance. Roughly 150 hours total travel time. All for a 6-hour event. Worth it? You bet. Astronomy readers enjoyed trips of a lifetime to South Africa and Egypt to witness the first transit of Venus in 122 years. SOUTH AFRICA: MICHAEL E. BAKICH; EGYPT: DAVE EICHER

When British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore published his list of deep-sky objects in 1995, many people cried foul, while others erupted in praise. Regardless of which side you’re on, the Caldwell Catalog is here to stay. MICHAEL E. BAKICH

The Maksutov revolution
If you’re looking for optical quality in a small package, consider one of these fine telescopes. STEVE EDBERG