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Free inside this month: Our 2014 year planner! Focus: Ten years of roving Mars 
This January, the Opportunity rover celebrates its tenth anniversary on the red planet. Along with its twin Spirit, it has revolutionised the exploration of Mars. 
At a glance, the story of Spirit's record-breaking mission on Mars, from its triumphant arrival, its epic climb up Columbia Hills and its sad fate in the sand pit of Troy. 
The continuing voyages of the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity still captivate scientists and the public alike. We tell its story so far. 
The longevity of Spirit and Opportunity has been legendary, but before they could even prove themselves on the surface, they first had to safely arrive on the red planet. Features 
A new year brings with it new observing opportunities as the different planets take to the stage, meteor showers return and the stars and deep sky objects remain familiar constants in the night sky. 
On 27 April 2013 the light from one of the most violent explosions ever witnessed in the Universe reached sensitive detectors orbiting Earth. 
Forged in the icy depths of the Solar System, Comet ISON met its match in the fiery heat of the Sun. 
Strap in for an incredible journey across the Solar System as Michael Carroll takes you sailing across alien seas of water, methane, molten rock and liquid hydrogen. 
On 3 November 2013, as the shadow of the Moon touched down on Earth south of Bermuda and raced across the Atlantic Ocean towards Africa, photographer Ben Cooper was onboard a small chartered jet heading to intercept it in a first-of-its-kind solar eclipse flight. 
Regulars 
All you need to know about what's visible in the heavens this month is contained in our 19-page night sky guide. 
Jupiter is now at its very best for UK observers, at the highest altitude it can attain in its 13-year cycle of apparitions. David Arditti tells you what you can expect to see, whatever the optics you have at your disposal. 
Ninian Boyle tests the updated version of iOptron's classic iEQ45 mount and finds portability and versatility in a single package. 
Photos submitted by readers to our Picture Gallery this month include: African solar eclipse • Magnificent Moon mosaic • Horse in Orion • Jupiter in focus Moon halo composite • Reflection nebulae in Cassiopeia • Obscured galaxy in Camelopardalis • Dazzling Venus invades Milky Way BUY ONLINE Free First Class delivery in the UK! DOWNLOAD The iPad and iPhone edition |
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