Space & Future
Scientists finally discover the true edge of the Milky Way
For many years, astronomers have wondered where the Milky Way truly “ends.” Unlike a solid object, our galaxy does not have a clear boundary.
Its...
Potential signs of life on distant planets sound exciting, but confirmation can take years
Astronomers can use telescopes to find specific molecules in the atmospheres of neighboring planets, in nebulae—clouds of interstellar dust and gas—hundreds or thousands of...
Astronomers find the edge of the Milky Way’s star-forming disc
Where exactly is the edge of the Milky Way?
That question is harder to answer than one might expect. Since we’re inside of the galaxy...
Forget our Sun—Planets might form more easily around double stars
For a long time, scientists believed that having two stars in one system would make it difficult for planets to form.
The strong gravitational pull...
Do stars slow down before they die? New study reveals a surprising twist
Stars may look calm and steady in the night sky, but deep inside they are constantly moving and changing.
One of the most important changes...
Young sun-like stars are not as menacing as thought
Scientists know that the behaviour of stars can dictate planetary habitability.
Research shows that young stars emit powerful radiation that can strip planetary atmospheres away.
And...
Curiosity rover uncovers 3.5-billion-year-old organic matter on Mars
NASA’s Curiosity rover has discovered a surprising variety of organic molecules on Mars, including chemicals that scientists consider important building blocks for life on...
Scientists map hidden magnetic fields on the sun’s far side
From Earth, we only ever see half of the sun.
The other half—the far side—is always hidden from view. But what happens there still matters.
Powerful...
Cosmic dances reveal the true weight of young stars in Orion
A star’s mass decides almost everything about its life, from how bright it shines to how it eventually dies.
But for young stars hidden deep...
Astronomers spot a Jupiter-like planet with possible ice clouds
Astronomers have discovered a distant planet similar to Jupiter that may be covered with thick clouds, offering new insights into how giant planets form...
Tough fungi could survive the journey to Mars, study finds
Fungi are already known for being tough, but new research suggests that some types might be strong enough to survive the long and harsh...
Mars may have had a giant ocean—Scientists spot a “bathtub ring” clue
Scientists have found new evidence that Mars may once have been home to a vast ocean covering about one-third of the planet.
The discovery comes...
Deep Space
Earth’s atmosphere is cleaning itself – a breakthrough discovery
Scientists have discovered that the Earth's atmosphere is getting better at removing air pollution, including methane, one of the most powerful greenhouse gases.
This new...
Astronomers find elusive target hiding behind dust
Astronomers acting on a hunch have likely resolved a mystery about young, still-forming stars and regions rich in organic molecules closely surrounding some of...
Our Milky Way is not unusual, shows study
Detailed cross-section of another galaxy reveals surprising similarities to our home.
The first detailed cross-section of a galaxy broadly similar to the Milky Way reveals...
Scientists develop first flat telescope lens that captures color
For centuries, cameras and telescopes have relied on curved glass or plastic lenses to bend light and bring images into focus.
However, the more powerful...
21-cm forest probe could unlock the secrets of the universe’s first galaxies
The first galaxies in the universe and the mysterious nature of dark matter have captivated human curiosity for ages.
Scientists from Northeastern University in China...