Astronomy Now – Page 248

From Dust to Life

10 October 2014 Astronomy Now

As its subtitle suggests, this book sets out to describe ‘The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System’ as seen through the work of generations of scientists who have contributed to the picture we now have.

Total eclipse of the Moon across two continents

7 October 2014 Astronomy Now

One of nature’s greatest offerings can be seen on the 8 October when the Moon fully enters the Earth’s dark shadow and experiences a total eclipse.

The Voyager Mission Experience

4 October 2014 Astronomy Now

New Horizons science team members give personal accounts of their work during the Voyager Neptune encounter and their new assignments on the Pluto mission.

Hubble Reveals the Ring Nebula’s True Shape

2 October 2014 Astronomy Now

New observations of the Ring Nebula by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope reveal a new twist on an iconic nebula.

Arrival and Departure at Saturn’s Moon Phoebe

2 October 2014 Astronomy Now

As it entered the Saturn system on June 11, 2004, Cassini passed Phoebe, the largest of Saturn’s outer or “irregular” moons, at an altitude of just 2,068 kilometres.

The Horsehead Nebula by Bill Snyder

2 October 2014 Astronomy Now

Bill Snyder’s image of the Horsehead Nebula (IC 434) has won the Deep Space award in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2014 competition.

Mercury orbiter captures crater in colour

2 October 2014 Astronomy Now

This image from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is a colour view of the impact crater Sor Juana on the planet Mercury.

Cassini pictures Saturn swirling clouds

2 October 2014 Astronomy Now

Saturn’s many cloud patterns, swept along by high-speed winds, look as if they were painted on by some eager alien artist in this image from Cassini.

Swirling Cloud at Titan’s Pole is Cold and Toxic

1 October 2014 Astronomy Now

Scientists analyzing data from NASA’s Cassini mission have discovered that a giant, toxic cloud is hovering over the south pole of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, after the atmosphere there cooled dramatically.

NASA Mission Points to Origin of “Ocean of Storms” on Earth’s Moon

1 October 2014 Astronomy Now

Using data from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL), mission scientists have solved a lunar mystery almost as old as the moon itself.