CONTENTS 37

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FeaturesFeaturesFeatures

L A B, RYKO FF

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M E D

R E N CE, ESA /ATG

: PE T E L AW

PAG E

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R E N CE. T H

: PE T E L AW

I M AG E

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M A

COV ER

, B B C

I L L GAT ER, ESA

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I M AG ES, @ T H ES H E D_ P H OTO S T U D

G E T T Y

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I S/CO R B

I O N /CO R B

L L EC T

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30 Set the controls for

the heart of the Sun

ESA’s Solar Orbiter is on its way to study the Sun up close. What is it hoping to discover?

37 Take your Moon

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observing further

Follow our expert tips and learn how your lunar observations can help professional scientific research

61 Delight in the darkness

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Delve into the world of dark nebulae, as we show you how to image these hidden celestial gems

67 Europe in space

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The European Space Agency’s exciting plans for the 2020s

Regulars 6 Eye on the sky 10 Bulletin 16 Cutting edge 18 Inside The Sky at Night 20 Interactive 25 Field of view 27 What’s on 28 Subscribe to BBC Sky

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at Night Magazine 72 Explainer 74 DIY Astronomy 98 Q&A: a stardust sifter Astrophotography 76 Capture 78 Processing 80 Gallery

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4 BBC Sky at Night Magazine March 2020

Reviews 86 Celestron Advanced VX

700 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope 90 Opticron Imagic IS 12x30

binoculars 94 Books 96 Gear

16-PAGE CENTRE PULLOUT

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The Sky Guide 44 Highlights 46 The big three 48 The planets 50 March’s all-sky chart 52 Moonwatch 53 Comets and asteroids 53 Star of the month 54 Binocular tour 55 The Sky Guide challenge 56 Deep-sky tour 58 March at a glance