The cover of the November 2026 issue featuring the sun at ultra-violet wavelengths
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Solar Science, the Not-So-Little Dumbbell Nebula, and the Approach to Phobos

In the November 2026 issue of Sky & Telescope, things are getting heated. Sunspots and solar flares abound as we zoom in on the solar corona to find out why it’s so hot. Then we take a trip back to the very beginning of solar research and explore the practice of using telescopes to count sunspots, a venerable tradition that began in the early 1600s. Next, we’ll use our own telescopes, diving into the Little Dumbbell Nebula to study what happens after a star consumes all its resources. And we’ll go over a few tips and tricks you can use to emphasize all of this nebula’s (and others’) intricate details in your astrophotos.

FEATURE ARTICLES:

Scorched

Solar physicists are pulling back the curtain on why our star’s atmosphere is so hot.

By Camille M. Carlisle

Sunspots and the Dawn of Modern Science

Early telescopic observations of the Sun advanced the development of astrophysics.

By Nicola Cusanelli

M76: The Not-So-Little Dumbbell Nebula

There’s more to this planetary than meets the eye.

By Howard Banich

On Approach to Phobos

Japan is launching its Martian Moons Exploration mission to finally settle the moon’s origins.

By Javier Barbuzano

Going Deep in Your Data

Try these processing techniques to bring out more details in your astrophotos.

By Yann Sainty

Beyond the Printed Page:

Distant Quasars

Find out more about the 31 early quasars detected by the Euclid space telescope.

Solar Orbiter

Discover what triggers solar flares.

Sunspots

Check out this chart displaying the number of sunspots reported each day for the past month.

Solar Observing

Report your solar observations to the AAVSO.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

A Zodiacal Wonder in Cetus

Venture into the lair of the Sea Monster with Saturn.

By Stephen James O’Meara

Glorious Morning Gatherings

Early risers are amply rewarded with a series of spectacular planetary gatherings.

By Gary Seronik

Jupiter’s Moons Take After Dear Old Dad

Mutual-event season is upon us.

By Bob King

Explore the Treasures of Cassiopeia

Here’s a mixed bag of easy and challenging celestial targets.

By David J. Eicher

Table of Contents

See what else November’s issue has to offer.

Past Issues

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