Math
Monster Black Hole's Spin Revealed for First Time
The discovery could help astronomers better understand how these behemoths grow
Astrophysics1380 articles archived since 1845
Space & Physics
Spacecraft Discovers Particle Accelerator at Saturn
Cassini's observations are giving scientists a look at processes that occur during star explosions
Space & Physics
Robot Space Plane Settles into Mystery Mission
The X-37B, a prototype space drone operated by the U.S. Air Force, is entering the third month of a classified space mission
Space & Physics
Superhot Plasma Rain Falls on Sun in Amazing Video
NASA’s Solar Dynamic Observatory captures video of superheated plasma loops far larger than Earth as they rain down on solar surface
The Sciences
Unparticle May Lurk in Earth’s Mantle
An experiment using the Earth itself as a source of electrons has narrowed down the search for a new force of nature
Space & Physics
Diminutive Discovery: Moon-Size Exoplanet Circling Sunlike Star Smallest Yet
The newly detected world is smaller than any of the solar system’s planets and just a bit larger than our moon
Space & Physics
Ultrafast Stars Discovered Racing through the Galaxy
Rocketing through space at more than three million kilometers per hour, six speedy stars were likely ejected from the giant black hole in the center of the Milky Way
Environment
Insurance for Global Catastrophes, Whether Asteroids or Climate Change
Spend a little more time observing meteors or combating climate change, spend a little less time worrying about global catastrophes. David Biello reports
Space & Physics
Apollo Moon Rocks Challenge Lunar Water Theory
Water on the moon was there as the moon formed, not delivered later by solar wind and comets
Space & Physics
NASA's "Mohawk Guy" Explains the Thrill of Exploring Mars
Spotted at the State of the Union address, Bobak Ferdowsi, the Mars Curiosity flight engineer famous for his hairstyle, describes his role as an ambassador for Mars
Space & Physics
What Do We Know about the Russian Meteor?
Meteor researcher Margaret Campbell-Brown recaps the latest research into the cause of this morning’s fireball over Chelyabinsk
Chemistry
Violent Asteroid Impacts Shaped Protoplanet Vesta’s Odd Interior
Computer models reveal a pair of 32-kilometer-long asteroids caused Vesta's crust to melt and then re-form, making it thicker than can be explained by typical rock layering
Environment
NASA Launches Advanced Landsat Earth-Watching Satellite into Orbit
Landsat 8 will help scientists and policy makers better understand how the growing human population is affecting the planet
Space & Physics
Space Race in Asia Heats Up
Recent launches by North Korea, South Korea and Iran highlight a growing trend
Space & Physics
Closest "Alien Earth" May Be 13 Light-Years Away
Astronomers estimate 4.5 billion Earth-like planets are spread throughout the Galaxy
Space & Physics
Hungry Black Hole Spawns Bizarre 4-Armed Galaxy
Beneath its pretty pink exterior, Messier 106 harbors a monster black hole that gobbles up matter at the galaxy’s center
Space & Physics
Why Hasn't the Whole Universe Collapsed into an Enormous Black Hole? [Video]
Scientific American contributing editor George Musser answers viewer questions submitted to YouTube's Spacelab Channel
The Sciences
Decelerating American Physics: Panel Advises Shutdown of Last U.S. Collider
The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider is first in line for possible budget cutbacks
Space & Physics
A Revolution in Astronomy
Science has progressed from wild speculation about Earth's planetary neighbors—including how they formed and whether they are inhabited—to a better understanding of our celestial neighborhood...
Chemistry
Hypersonic "SpaceLiner" Aims to Fly Passengers in 2050
A rocket-powered aircraft, in development at the German Aerospace Center, could carry 50 passengers halfway around the world in 90 minutes
