Free Astronomy Magazine March-April 2026

23 MARCH-APRIL 2026 ASTRO PUBLISHING “The Windows on the Universe Cen- ter for Astronomy Outreach will do exactly that by igniting young imag- inations with the cosmos, the trail- blazing scientists who paved the way and the mysteries of the universe that are waiting for them to solve.” MMP was operational from 1962– 2017, during which it was the largest solar telescope in the world. During this time it uncovered previ- ously unknown aspects of the Sun like finding water vapor on the Sun, mapping its magnetic field, and helping the Apollo astronauts train for missions to the Moon. The new Windows Center celebrates this vi- brant history and invites the public to experience it first-hand. By ex- ploring the interactive exhibits and educational programs offered in the Windows Center, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the history of astronomy research and how it has led to humanity’s current under- standing of the cosmos. They will ex- perience the iconic MMP architec- ture and unique live daytime solar disk viewing, interactive spectro- scopy, nighttime viewing of bright objects, and Science On a Sphere shows. “We’ve created something A bove: The Sun being projected with the Mc-Math Pierce Solar Telescope. On the side: Science on a Sphere in the Windows Center. Below: Interactive in the Windows Center exhibition. [KPNO/ NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/R. Sparks]