Astronomy September 2005

COVER STORY
What happens when galaxies collide?
Bursts of star formation and tails of debris litter the cosmos whenever galaxies meet. ELISABETH A. BENCHICH

How the universe has surprised us
Unexpected phenomena have steered astronomy in new directions. MARCIA BARTUSIAK AND STEPHEN LOWE

Ready, set, boom!
An expanding bubble enriches the galaxy and may help life begin. KEN CROSWELL

Evolution at the edge
Astronomers find that comets are not the pristine relics we thought they were. S. ALAN STERN

Discover fall’s splendid sky sights
Colorful doubles and stellar death shrouds are among tonight’s deep-sky wonders. JANE HOUSTON JONES

The day the Sun disappeared
Astronomy editors went to two exotic locales to bask in the Moon’s shadow. DAVID J. EICHER AND MICHAEL E. BAKICH

Stalking star clouds
A small telescope and bright sky don’t stop this imager’s hunt for the big and beautiful. DANIEL B. PHILLIPS

Explore the sky with classic glass
Telescopes from the golden age of observing provide collectors with great views. MIKE REYNOLDS