Astronomy March 2011

Secrets beneath the Moon's surface
By Bruce Dorminey
A landscape of craters and volcanic plains hides a molten core, numerous moonquakes, and keys to the still-mysterious lunar history.
pg. 24

The Crab Nebula's everlasting mystery
By Bill Andrews
Since A.D. 1054, when its light first reached Earth as a supernova, the Crab Nebula has remained an enigma. Here’s how astronomers presently understand this strange system.
pg. 30

How a Nashville boy changed the universe
By David J. Eicher
Edward Emerson Barnard's discoveries encompass comets, dark nebulae, and Jupiter's fifth moon. Although he started in poverty, he rose to the top of the scientific world.
pg. 44

Roam the majestic Virgo cluster of galaxies
By Tom Polakis
Within a small region of the celestial sphere, you can enjoy many of the sky's top galaxies.
pg. 52

Piggyback astroimaging
By Michael A. Covington
Let a telescope take your camera for a ride and capture amazing sky vistas.
pg. 56

Farpoint's small refractor delivers big results
By Phil Harrington
This new 4-inch telescope combines superb optical quality, easy portability, and lots of accessories.
pg. 60