We’ve so much to look forward to in 2017 and beyond
We’re looking forwards to the New Year this issue. On page 66, news editor Elizabeth Pearson presents a comprehensive look at the space missions set to launch in 2017, and into the 2020s. It’s worth noting that alongside the Western space agencies, India and China are launching more missions, and there’s also increased activity from the private sector.
We also look back this issue: in December 2015 Tim Peake was blasting off from Kazakhstan for the International Space Station, becoming the UK’s first official astronaut in the process. To mark the one-year anniversary of his launch Nick Spall spoke exclusively to Tim. Read his interview on page 44 to find out about the lasting impact of his Principia mission and how Tim has acclimatised to life back on Earth since re-entering the atmosphere.
Talking of atmosphere, Paul Abel explores the cloud-bound world of Venus on page 73, specifically the question of the ashen light. He ponders whether, now amateurs can easily capture quality imaging data, it is time to ascribe the phenomenon to the subjective nature of visual observations in ages past. It’s certainly something to think about while observing the planet this month.
On page 32, Will Gater investigates more objects that are well placed to observe this
month, giving a fascinating insight into the science behind some of this season’s brightest and most beloved stars. You’ll find spellbinding stories of stellar doom, the searing radiation of stellar birth and objects almost four times hotter than our Sun.
Enjoy the issue, and Happy New Year!