The November 10 issue of Time featured an article titled, “ The 50 best inventions of the year .” Among the top 50 are four astronomy-related inventions — three even made the top 10. At 18 is the Mars Science Laboratory (pictured at right). Set to launch in the fall of 2009, the robotic explorer will possibly determine if Mars was ever able to support microbial life. Number nine, the Orbital Internet, is new to me. Scientists are working on a connection...

As a working college student, I rarely have time to squeeze observing into my busy schedule. However, this week, the Perseid meteor shower presented the perfect opportunity to catch an early morning sky show. So, last night, with a friend and a couple lawn chairs (no binoculars or telescope needed), I drove about 50 miles away from the bright lights of Milwaukee to watch the peak of the shower. The shower was better than I expected. We settled into...