Space & Physics
Pluto and Charon Come into Sharper Focus
Images from the New Horizons probe’s journey to the distant reaches of the solar system
Stories by Alexandra Witze
Space & Physics
Astronomers Propose Giant Space Telescope to Replace Hubble
A segmented mirror four or five times wider than Hubble's would peer directly at exoplanets
Environment
Oil and Gas Company's Disposal of Wastewater Causes Sharp Rise in Quakes
Nearly 90 percent of temblors in the central U.S. are now caused by water injected into underground wells
Space & Physics
Pluto's Moons Move in Synchrony
Gravity binds together three of the dwarf planet's satellites
Space & Physics
Giant Telescope in Hawaii Progresses, with New Restrictions
The embattled Thirty Meter Telescope project can proceed on Mauna Kea, but only by cutting back astronomy elsewhere on the mountain
Space & Physics
Images Expose Thunder in Exquisite Detail
Acoustic measurements reveal the energy that radiates from a lightning bolt
The Sciences
Massive Underwater Volcano Erupts
An event at the Axial Seamount tests a new deep-sea observing network
Space & Physics
Pluto May Have Icy Cap
The latest images from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft show a bright spot near the dwarf planet's pole
Space & Physics
Mercury Mission Set to End with Dramatic Crash
The chief scientist for the Mercury MESSENGER mission reminisces its findings and upcoming finale
The Sciences
Major Earthquake Hits Nepal
Shaking struck near Kathmandu, where buildings collapsed and thousands are feared dead
Space & Physics
The Mystery of Ceres's Bright Spots Grows
New data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft suggest varied origins for tantalizing gleams on the dwarf planet's surface
Space & Physics
Mystery Dust Cloud and Aurora Spotted on Mars
A spacecraft has discovered surprises in the Red Planet's upper atmosphere
Space & Physics
Bright Spots on Ceres Could Be Active Ice
Early data from the Dawn spacecraft could clear up a mystery about the dwarf planet
Space & Physics
Best Images Ever of Mercury's Scorched Surface [Slide Show]
As the MESSENGER spacecraft prepares a planned death plunge into the planet's surface, the mission has sent back some of the best images ever taken of Mercury
Space & Physics
Best Images Ever of Mercury's Scorched Surface
As a spacecraft prepares a planned death plunge into the planet's surface, the mission has sent back some of the best images ever taken of Mercury
Technology
NASA Launches Next-Generation Scientific Balloon
Superpressure technology could keep gamma-ray telescope aloft for 100 days or more around Antarctica
Space & Physics
Planet Hunters Plot Course for Inhabited Worlds
Researchers aim to set aside differences in search for life on distant worlds
Space & Physics
Comet-Landing Spacecraft's Exact Location Still Eludes Scientists
The search for Philae intensifies as researchers try to determine if it can recharge its batteries, wherever it is on comet 67P
Space & Physics
Giant Dunes on Saturn Moon Track Its Ancient Climate
Dune shapes on Titan reflect long-term weather patterns that result from winds and the moon's orbital wobbles
Space & Physics
Japan's Next Asteroid Sample-Return Probe Delayed
Thick cloud cover postponed the launch of Hayabusa-2, which was set to leave for a carbon-rich space rock on Sunday
