Sky & Telescope November 2021 Magazine

 
80 Years: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going

In the November 2021 issue of Sky & Telescope, we’re celebrating our 80th anniversary by taking a look at the past, present, and future of astronomy. First, take a trip down memory lane with us as we examine how the amateur community and Sky & Telescope developed side-by-side. We also explore the life story of a dedicated observer and amateur telescope maker. As amateur astronomy progressed, so did its telescopes. Today, it’s easier and cheaper to buy an excellent ready-made telescope than ever before, so we investigate whether the old adage still stands: Is it more cost-effective to build a telescope yourself? Finally, after talking to professionals across the field, Sky & Telescope predicts what’s next for astronomy. Read about what may be coming down the pipeline for future missions and see our timeline of what astronomical discoveries we expect to see in the next 30 years. Among them, some will come from the telescope we've been waiting for, now almost ready for launch. We discuss what went into building the James Webb Space Telescope and what scientists hope to learn from this technological marvel.