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OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

Interview: stratosphere observatory NASA’s Jose Siles on the 2.5m telescope attached to a helium balloon that will study galactic star formation.

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This month’s contributors Lewis Dartnell Astrobiologist

Paul Money Reviews editor

Dani Robertson Dark sky officer

“I found it fascinating to research this month’s ‘Cutting Edge’ – a topic that bridges Mars’s past climate and landing a human mission there!” Lewis finds out about the winds of Mars, page 16

“I enjoy seeing M31 climbing higher into view in autumn – it’s always a pleasure to explore our galactic neighbourhood from the back garden”. Paul guides us around the Local Group of galaxies, page 60

“The dark skies of Wales are a precious resource, so I’m proud to be involved in a campaign to protect the quality of our night skies for generations to come.” Dani highlights the threat of light pollution, page 25

Watch August’s The Sky at Night The team look back over 50 years of the BBC’s Mars coverage and explore our fascination with the Red Planet.

Audiobook preview: Astronomical

Listen to two chapters from a new audiobook revealing some of most the incredible discoveries made in astronomy.

The Virtual Planetarium

Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel guide us through the best sights to see in the night sky this month.

October 2020 BBC Sky at Night Magazine 5