• Bone up on your Queen knowledge for a chance to win autographed items from Brian May
• “One Vision” contest opens November 28 and runs until December 31
• Read the story “Brian May’s world of stereo astro pictures” in the January 2012 Astronomy
• Watch Editor Dave Eicher’s all-time top Queen songs (online subscriber extra)
• And don’t miss May’s story about space exploration in the February 2012 Astronomy
Welcome to the advance warning of a big event here at
Astronomy magazine. Brian May, legendary guitarist of the rock group Queen, Ph.D. astronomer, and
Astronomy Editorial Advisory Board member, is bringing you a special event month beginning November 28. But it’s not too early to start practicing your knowledge about Queen, one of the world’s most beloved bands, and, if you’re good, you’ll have a chance to win a prize autographed by Brian.
As a start, check out the stunning performance of “A Kind of Magic” by Queen at Wembley Stadium in London on July 11, 1986:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJliRPGKwpQ.
The title song of the 1986 Queen album of the same name was written by drummer and vocalist Roger Taylor and polished by Freddie Mercury. It was the namesake as well for the Magic Tour, the group’s enormous European set of shows that spanned June 7 through August 9, 1986, and would — although no one knew it at the time — be their last set of live performances. The final show on August 9 occurred at Knebworth Park, north of London.
But what 1986 film featured several songs from the album? That’s the kind of Queen brain teaser that could net you signed goods from Brian when the “One Vision” contest begins November 28.
“One Vision” month doesn’t consist of just our contest, however. You’ll see a story titled “Brian May’s world of stereo astro pictures” in the January 2012 issue of
Astronomy, which hits newsstands December 5. The story details Brian’s interest in stereoscopy and creating astronomical images in stereo, a passion that began as a child when he found a stereo card inserted as a prize in a cereal box.
Moreover, look for Brian’s story on the future of space exploration in our February 2012 issue — this provocative essay will definitely be a great read for your New Year.
And lastly, you can check out my ranking of Queen’s greatest songs (with video links to concert and other footage) as an online extra throughout the month when the January issue is out.
And we have some other surprises planned for the future, too. I know that you’ll be fascinated to read about Brian May’s astronomical pursuits, and I certainly know how many people I talk to love Queen’s music. So study up and get ready to win some great prizes!
Cheers.