On the cover: Sunset on Mars (NASA/JPL)

'Tis the season — the season to take up stargazing or to share your passion for the night sky with a friend or family member. The season of giving can be rewarding as well. The winter sky is filled with wonders like bright planets and the Andromeda galaxy.

Space Race
If your holiday plans call for travel to the nation's capital, don't miss the "Space Race" exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. As Don Frederick explains, the competiton-turned-cooperation between the United States and Russia has generated some striking parallels over the years. And don't leave the museum without seeing Mission to Mir, the IMAX feature filmed by astronauts aboard the Russian space station. IMAX theaters around the world will be showing the film throughout the holidays.

Star-Crossed Constellations
Turning to a competition of a different sort, frequent contributor Barbara Ryden looks back at astronomers of old who promoted nationalist or religious agendas in their star charts. Their erstwhile attempts to redraw the skies are remembered in "Star-Crossed Constellations."

AstroNews: Mars mission update, gamma-ray burst news

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