Scientists Trace Neutron Star Crash That Helped Form Our Solar System
The collision helped seed Earth with its precious metals
Physics5067 articles archived since 1845
Milky Way Dark Matter Signals in Doubt after Controversial New Papers
New analyses question whether mysterious gamma-ray and x-ray light in the galaxy actually stems from an invisible mass
Collision on One Side of Pluto Ripped Up Terrain on the Other, Study Suggests
A new computer model shows how a buried ocean on the dwarf planet might have enabled seismic waves to travel
Will String Theory Finally Be Put to the Experimental Test?
Physicists have found a way the theory might limit the cosmic inflation that is thought to have expanded the early universe
Superfast, Superpowerful Lasers Are About to Revolutionize Physics
They’ll serve as the hearts of “discovery factories” for planetary science, astrophysics, materials physics, fusion, and more
Carbon Conundrum: Experiment Aims to Re-create Synthesis of Key Element
An Ohio particle accelerator will test an alternative idea of how the universe’s carbon came to be
Ancient Clam Shell Reveals Shorter Day Length
The growth layers in a 70-million-year-old clam shell indicate that a year back then had more than 370 days, with each day being only about 23.5 hours.
Destination Neptune! Rare Chance to Reach Ice Giants Excites Scientists
A planetary alignment provides a window to visit Uranus and Neptune—but time is tight
Apollo Rock Samples Heat Up Moon Formation Debate
A new study suggests there are key differences between the compositions of Earth and its natural satellite, with significant implications for lunar history
The New Cosmos: A Conversation with Ann Druyan
Emmy and Peabody Award–winning science writer, producer and director Ann Druyan talks about Cosmos: Possible Worlds, the next installment of the Cosmos series.
How Empty Is an Empty Bottle?
A mind-blowing activity from Science Buddies
Fusion Bombs Are Right—for the Arms Race
Originally published in March 1950
“Cosmic String” Gravitational Waves Could Solve Antimatter Mystery
Physicists suspect spacetime ripples could explain why the universe is made of matter
Coronavirus Fears Cancel World’s Biggest Physics Meeting
Physicists who were set to attend the American Physical Society’s Denver conference are using virtual platforms to share their talks
Scientific Rebel Freeman Dyson Dies
The iconoclastic physicist rejected the idea of an end point to the human quest for knowledge and happiness...
Call Them Quasars—for No Good Reason
Originally published in December 1963
Build a Cooler
A cool science activity from Science Buddies
That Giant Sucking Sound Doesn’t Exist
Originally published in February 1857
Japan Inches Forward with Plans to Host Next Big Particle Collider
If built, the International Linear Collider would investigate some of the biggest mysteries in physics on the smallest of scales
Jet Altitude Changes Cut Climate-Changing Contrails
Increasing or decreasing the altitude of aircraft by a few thousand feet to avoid thin layers of humidity could make a major reduction to contrails’ contribution to climate change...
