We’re standing on the edge of a new era of Moon missions
As we went to print, there was a keen sense of anticipation on the magazine for the launch of Artemis I. NASA’s largest rocket launch for 50 years will set humanity on the path back to the Moon’s surface and bring the construction of a space station in lunar orbit one step closer. Turn to Shaoni Bhattacharya’s feature to meet the people who are making these ambitious aims a reality, the NASA scientists and engineers behind the Artemis programme.
Those ambitions include establishing a staging post in lunar orbit for crewed missions to Mars. While such close encounters with the Red Planet are a long way off, prospects for observing the planet from here on Earth are steadily improving this month. Mars season is upon us, and there’s extra excitement for December’s opposition, with a rare occultation by the Moon happening on the same day. To help you make the most of it, Paul Abel’s feature has advice on the Mars sights to look out for in the months ahead.
One thing you won’t have quite so long to observe is the solar eclipse on 25 October. It’s a partial not total eclipse, but it’s the first of any kind since June 2021 and so I for one was keen to read Pete Lawrence’s observing advice in the Sky Guide and hints on safely photographing the event.
Talking of imaging, we are proud to present the winning images from the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2022 – a more stunning crop of astrophotos I have yet to see!
Enjoy the issue!
PS Our next issue goes on sale on Thursday 20 October.