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Saturn’s Rings, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and Taurus Poniatovii
In the August 2022 issue of Sky & Telescope, we remember an optical illusion that turned out to be real. Astronomers have long believed that the radii from Saturn’s rings, recorded by 19th-century observers, were the result of outdated techniques and optics. But when Voyager 1 captured an image of the rays in 1980, the debate turned to what creates them. Next, we take a look at the defunct constellation Taurus Poniatovii, which still holds some great viewing targets. While you’re daydreaming about the latest gear that will help you capture those stunning nebulae, galaxies, and clusters, you might also be interested in the next big revolution in astrophotography: live stacking. Meanwhile, the latest innovation in planetary exploration is taking flight: the Ingenuity helicopter made the first powered flight to another planet in April 2021 and has since exceeded our expectations. Additionally, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence has recently received a big financial boost. With new equipment and data analysis tools, will SETI finally locate life on another planet?
FEATURED ARTICLES:
It is thanks to daring creativity and tenacity that a small rotorcraft today explores the red planet.
By Jim Bell
The constellation may be gone, but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring its many beautiful sights.
By Brian Ventrudo
The discovery of these mysterious features was a 20th century triumph for 19th century observing techniques.
By William Sheehan
New instruments and data analysis tools are opening up more of the skies in search of extraterrestrial intelligence.
By Jeff Hecht
Deep sky astrophotography is evolving rapidly, and in some ways the future is already here.
By Richard S. Wright, Jr.
Beyond the printed page:
The Martian Soundscape
Listen to recordings from NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars.
Watch the first flights of the Ingenuity helicopter.
See a live map of Perseverance and Ingenuity locations on Mars.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Get ready for a starry summer tour of our home galaxy.
By Fred Schaaf
August offers a great opportunity to see the planet, its rings, and a handful of its brightest moons.
By Bob King
Travel the lunar seas in search of rimmed islands and buried craters.
By Charles A. Wood
This important optical parameter can help you produce better astrophotos.
By Richard S. Wright, Jr.
Contents
See what else the August issue has to offer.
