Space & Physics
Astronomers Use Shadowy Alien Worlds to Peer Inside Stars
New analyses allow scientists to measure stellar densities using orbiting planets
Stories by Sarah Lewin Frasier
Space & Physics
The Future of Space Is Coming, "Soonish"
A new book whimsically examines 10 emerging technologies that could change everything
Space & Physics
Scientists Explain Pluto's Skyscraper-Size Ice Blades
First observed by the New Horizons spacecraft in 2015, the strange spiky features are likely formed from sublimating methane
Space & Physics
Sun Unleashes Strongest Solar Flare of Past Decade
The X-class flare was the most powerful seen since 2006, and created radio blackouts on Earth
Space & Physics
World's Biggest Space Telescope Heads West on Path to Launchpad
With its testing at Goddard Space Flight Center completed, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope embarks for further testing in Texas before its 2018 launch
Space & Physics
Cassini Survives Closest-Ever Encounter with Saturn, Snaps Stunning Images
First images from an epic dive through Saturn’s rings reveal a giant hurricane and turbulent storm clouds
Space & Physics
Meet “Steve,” a Strange New Sky Phenomenon
Citizen scientists and space-agency satellites come together to discover a new variety of aurora
Space & Physics
Only One of TRAPPIST-1's Rocky Planets May Be Right for Life
A new climate model suggests six of the nearby star's seven worlds are uninhabitable
Space & Physics
Kepler Telescope Releases Trove of Data on Newfound Earth-Size Exoplanets
The planet-hunting observatory stared at the TRAPPIST-1 system for nearly three months
Space & Physics
Balloon Telescope Searches for Universe's Baby Stars
New maps of galactic magnetic fields will enhance the study of stellar birth
Space & Physics
Astronomers Spy Dusty "Traffic Jam" in Young Star System
The newfound structures in disks of dust and gas around newborn stars could aid planet formation
Space & Physics
NASA’s Fermi Telescope Spots Record-Breaking Blazars
Powered by supermassive black holes, the intense light from these extreme galaxies began its journey to us when the universe was but a tenth of its present age
Space & Physics
Ailing Buzz Aldrin Evacuated from Antarctica
The 86-year-old moonwalker was visiting the South Pole as a tourist when he fell ill, and is reportedly now in stable condition
Space & Physics
Cassini Mission Kicks Off Finale at Saturn
NASA’s Cassini spacecraft begins a series of daring dives through Saturn's rings Nov. 30, the first step in the probe’s “grand finale” investigation of the gas giant planet...
Space & Physics
NASA Showcases Virtual Reality for Space Exploration
Microsoft's HoloLens headsets are already aiding astronauts on the International Space Station, and next-generation VR could prove vital for journeys to Mars
Space & Physics
Astronomers Watch as Io’s Atmosphere Collapses
Jupiter's shadow makes this volcanic moon's atmosphere freeze solid once per day
Space & Physics
Dark Matter Stays Dark
The most sensitive search yet for the mystery substance draws a blank after 20 months
Space & Physics
How to See This Year's Perseid Meteor Shower
Look up into a dark sky in mid-August to see more than 150 meteors per hour
Space & Physics
Astronomers Spot First-Ever “Snow Line” around Newborn Star
The images of water frost forming around the young star V883 Orionis offer new insights into planet formation
The Sciences
New Equation Tallies Odds of Life Beginning
Creators factor in “origin-of-life” events and available building blocks
