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In this month's Focus we head to the outer Solar System to
explore the ice giant Uranus. First, Sir Patrick Moore tells the story
of the planet, including the epic fly-by of Voyager 2. Then Ian Welland
describes William Herschel's observations of the planet that led to the
size of the Solar System doubling virtually overnight. Finally, Keith
Cooper gets close-up to the planet itself, describing its atmosphere,
rings and moons, which are individual worlds in their own rights.
Blighted with light pollution? Bob Mizon is back with a brand new sky
tour for city-based observers. And did someone say telescope
manufacturing in the UK was dead? Neil English digs up plenty of
evidence to suggest it is alive and kicking. Meanwhile, Tom Gale
explains the chemistry of the stars, while Keith Cooper delves into the
mystery of the phantom planet – does the first potentially habitable
planet discovered outside our Solar System really exist?
In our extensive night sky section this month we ring in the new year
with a partial solar eclipse, sky tours, and all your essential
observing tips for the month ahead. Alan Longstaff explains the shape of
the Universe in Ask Alan, and Nick Howes describes how to automate
everything in your home observatory, while astrophotographer R Jay
GaBany describes how he takes his superb images of the cosmos from his
remote observatory. In the Shops includes reviews of astronomy software
StellarWindow and Starpikes Pro.
We're also pleased to announce the return of the Wall Planner, back bigger and better than ever before!
The January 2011 issue will be on sale from 16 December.
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