Astronomy 2018-08.pdf

2nd Saddle with 7 lb.Payload!6”Maksutov&80mm APO*At Meade,we believe the universe should be accessible to all and available at a moments notice.The new LX65 series telescope does this by combining advanced features and premium optics in an easy-to-use portable telescope system.This versatile GoTo telescope features our AudioStar hand controller,all-metal worm-drive gearing,removable optical tube with Vixen-style dovetail,and secondary mounting saddle for attaching an additional OTA.The secondary saddle allows you to view objects both in wide field or close up and is ideal for astronomy outreach and is sure to impress anyone with its technology and optics.SINGLE-FORK ARM MOUNT-Sturdy single-arm design allows you to mount two optical tubes at once.The second saddle is fully adjustable allowing both tubes to be precisely pointed at the same object.PORTABLE BUILD-This portable scope breaks down into two compact pieces and does not require any tools.With its built-in carry handle,transporting the LX65 to your favorite dark-sky location is a breeze!AUDIOSTAR HAND BOX-Its 30,000-object database can take you on a guided tour of the night skys best objects.With its built-in speaker,you can learn so much about the objects youre viewing!Agena|Optics Planet|High Point Scientific|B&H Photo Video|Focus Camera|Astronomics|Adorama| OPT Telescopes|Woodland Hill Camera|*(sold separately)Available with a 5 Maksutov 6 Maksutov 6 ACF or 8 ACFINTRODUCING THE NEW LX65 SERIESINTRODUCING THE NEW LX65 SERIESCONTENTSDaves Universe The inside scoop from the editor.News The latest updates from the science and the hobby.Picture of the Day Gorgeous photos from our readers.Venus Globe Get the hottest globe around.4 ASTRONOMY AUGUST 201822 COVER STORYThe 10 biggest things in astronomy For nearly half a century,the worlds leading title on astronomy and space has reported mesmerizing science.DAVID J.EICHER24The Red Planet revealed More than a dozen spacecrat have shown Mars to be a wonderfully diverse world with hidden stores of water.JOHN WENZ27Shining light on black holes It took 200 years to ind the irst black hole.Now we know theyre everywhere.FRANCIS REDDY30Voyagers Grand Tour he twin probes explored more planets,discovered more moons,and ofered more breaking news than any other spacecrat.MICHAEL E.BAKICH33Inflation leaves its mark Alan Guths remarkable theory provides a master key to the universe we see today.MARA JOHNSON-GROH36Sky This MonthPrime time for the Perseids.MARTIN RATCLIFFE AND ALISTER LING38StarDome and Path of the PlanetsRICHARD TALCOTT;ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROEN KELLY44Decoding the cosmic microwave background he Big Bang let behind a unique signature on the sky.Probes such as COBE,WMAP,and Planck taught us how to read it.LIZ KRUESI47Hubbles astounding legacy NASAs inest instrument has cap-tured more images and generated more research than any telescope in history.MICHAEL E.BAKICH50The weird mystery of dark energy hough it dominates the universe,dark energy is the biggest discovery we dont understand.LIZ KRUESI53Exoplanets burst onto the scene Since their discovery in 1992,planets outside our solar system have been found around thousands of stars in the galaxy.KOREY HAYNES56Pluto finds its place No longer a lone world at the edge of the solar system,Pluto is the brightest and best-studied member of a vast throng of Kuiper Belt objects.JOHN WENZ59Glimpsing gravitational waves he screams of colliding black holes allow astronomers to study the universe in a whole new way.ROBERT NAEYE68Ask Astrohe expanding universe.COLUMNSStrange Universe 12BOB BERMANFor Your Consideration 16JEFF HESTERObserving Basics 18GLENN CHAPLESecret Sky 64STEPHEN JAMES OMEARABinocular Universe 66PHIL HARRINGTONQUANTUM GRAVITYSnapshot 9Astro News 10IN EVERY ISSUEFrom the Editor 6 Astro Letters 8 New Products 62Advertiser Index 65Reader Gallery 70Breakthrough 74FEATURESAUGUST 2018VOL.46,NO.824Astronomy(ISSN 0091-6358,USPS 531-350)is published monthly by Kalmbach Media Co.,21027 Crossroads Circle,P.O.Box 1612,Waukesha,WI 531871612.Periodicals post-age paid at Waukesha,WI,and additional offices.POSTMASTER:Send address changes to Astronomy,P.O.Box 62320,Tampa,Fla.33662-2320.Canada Publication Mail Agreement#40010760.ONLINE FAVORITES Go to www.A for info on the biggest news and observing events,stunning photos,informative videos,and more.ASTRONOMY:ROEN KELLYON THE COVER The past 45 years have brought incredible explorations and discoveries in astronomy,planetary science,and cosmology.OF ASTRONOMY MAGAZINEYEARS Online Content Code:ASY1808Enter this code at: gain access to web-exclusive contentWWW.ASTRONOMY.COM5PRESENTSIt took about two-and-a-half minutes during totality of the 2017 total solar eclipse for Dr.Don Bruns to make history.Using a Tele Vue-NP101is,Don confirmed Einsteins prediction of starlight deflection to an accuracy beyond all previous optical attempts.Whether you make scientific or family history,the heirloom quality,60mm to 127mm APO refractors w