Inside Sky & Telescope's October 2020 Issue
Sabrina Garvin Sky & Telescope
In the October 2020 issue of Sky & Telescope, we’re getting ready for the best view of Mars until 2035 with our favorite images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter as well as observing tips as the Red Planet reaches opposition. Meanwhile, enjoy our list of stunning globular clusters to add to any big telescope’s bucket list. Early October is also a great time to hunt for geostationary satellites — and photograph them too. On cloudy nights, cozy up with the latest from NASA’s Fermi space telescope, which has revealed the most detailed views of gamma-ray-emitting objects we’ve seen so far. We cover gamma-ray astronomy and what telescopes like Fermi can tell us about supernovae and other energetic events. Also this month, learn how to make the most out of those rare nights when conditions are perfect for astrophotography by attaching two telescopes to a single mount.
Featured Articles
The Red Planet Revealed
A potpourri of images shot by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter showcases the planet’s astonishing diversity of landforms.
By Peter Tyson
The Gamma-Ray Universe
The highest energies of the electromagnetic spectrum reveal a cosmos replete with fantastic explosions and objects.
By Lynn R. Cominsky
My Favorite Globulars
No matter your equipment or location, these impressive stellar collections offer something for everyone.
By Alan Whitman
Observing Geosat Flares
Autumn nights are ideal for spotting “stars out of place.”
By Steve Daubert
Double Vision
Here’s a great way to boost your imaging output when conditions are favorable.
By Ronald Brecher
Beyond the Printed Page:
Mars Profiler
Use our tool to identify markings on the Red Planet.
Geosat Flares
Predict when and where geostationary satellite flares will appear in your skies.
Martian Moons
Make your own occulting bar to observe Phobos and Deimos.
Capture the Dark
Enjoy the winning images from the International Dark-Sky Association’s photography contest.
Also in this issue:
The Age of Pisces
There’s something fishy going on in the October sky.
By Fred Schaaf
A Great Year for Mars
The Red Planet won’t be as good as this again until 2035.
By Bob King
The Changing Face of Mars
The Red Planet’s shifting sands bring changes to the Martian landscape.
By William Sheehan
Splashing Around the Dolphin
Tiny Delphinus holds a surprising variety of deep-sky objects.
By Sue French
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