Astrophysics in 1997

Abstract
Martian marvels, a gamma‐ray burster with a redshift, Galileo converses with Ganymede, a record galactic redshift of 4.92, and much else. Fiscal 1997 was definitely an exciting year for astronomers. We have tried hard to hit all the obvious highlights, but also to report more gradual progress on traditional problems of understanding planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Though the year was saddened by the loss of many valued colleagues, we nevertheless indulge in occasional soupçons of frivolity.