Space & Physics
New Billion-Star Map Reveals Secrets of the Milky Way
The first results from the Gaia mission are poised to rewrite astronomy textbooks, starting with an upgrade to the size of our galaxy
Stories by Davide Castelvecchi
Space & Physics
Icy Telescope Throws Cold Water on Sterile Neutrino Theory
IceCube observatory reports null result in search for particle
The Sciences
Bizarre Proof to Torment Mathematicians for Years to Come
A rare appearance by enigmatic Shinichi Mochizuki brings faint optimism about his famously impenetrable work
Space & Physics
People May Sense Single Photons
Experiment hints we sense light’s tiniest specks “at the threshold of imagination”
Space & Physics
Expansion of the Early Universe Is Modeled in Unprecedented Detail
Pioneering techniques could settle longstanding controversy about the accuracy of previous simulations
Computing
In a First, Quantum Computer Simulates High-Energy Physics
The technique could allow quantum computers to address otherwise-intractable problems in particle physics
Climate Change
Cloud-Seeding Surprise Could Improve Climate Predictions
A molecule made by trees can seed clouds, suggesting that pre-industrial skies were less sunny than thought
Space & Physics
Large Hadron Collider Anomaly Inspires a Zoo of Theories
Four published papers offer diverse explanations for a possible new particle
Space & Physics
Controversial Dark Matter Claim Faces Ultimate Test
Multiple teams finally have the material they need to repeat an enigmatic experiment
Space & Physics
The Black Hole Collision That Reshaped Physics
A momentous signal from space has confirmed decades of theorizing on black holes—and launched a new era of gravitational-wave astronomy
Space & Physics
Hints of New LHC Particle Get Slightly Stronger
One fresh analysis keeps alive physicists' hope for a breakthrough, but another is disappointing
Space & Physics
Gravitational Waves: 6 Cosmic Questions They Can Tackle
The discovery of ripples in spacetime will vindicate Einstein—but it can also do so much more
The Sciences
Hawking's Latest Black Hole Paper Splits Physicists
Some welcome his latest report as a fresh way to solve a black hole conundrum; others are unsure of its merits
The Sciences
Gravitational Wave Rumors in Overdrive
Physicists say they've heard that the LIGO observatory may have spotted the signature of merging black holes
The Sciences
Potential New Particle Sparks Flood of Theories
Physicists have produced nearly 100 papers on the latest tantalizing results from the Large Hadron Collider
Space & Physics
Is String Theory Science?
A debate between physicists and philosophers could redefine the scientific method and our understanding of the universe
Space & Physics
China's Dark-Matter Satellite Launches Era of Space Science
"Monkey King" is first in a line of Chinese space missions focused on scientific discovery
The Sciences
Biggest Mystery in Mathematics in Limbo after Cryptic Meeting
Confusion still surrounds abc conjecture, but the University of Oxford gathering boosts prospects for resolution
Technology
Artificial Intelligence Called In to Tackle LHC Data Deluge
Algorithms could aid discovery at the Large Hadron Collider, but raise transparency concerns
The Sciences
Zombie Physics: 6 Baffling Results That Just Won't Die
To celebrate Halloween, Nature brings you the undead results that physicists can neither prove—nor lay to rest
