Space & Future
Scientists discover “rotten egg” planet with a massive ocean of lava
Astronomers have discovered a strange new kind of planet beyond our solar system—one that may be covered by a vast, long-lasting ocean of molten...
A giant space rock’s scars may reveal how planets were born
Asteroid 16 Psyche has puzzled scientists for more than 200 years.
Now, new research suggests that its large craters could hold the key to understanding...
A “cotton candy” planet wrapped in haze leaves scientists puzzled
Astronomers have taken a closer look at one of the strangest planets ever discovered, and it is raising more questions than answers.
The planet, called...
Scientists discover one of the oldest stars ever, with almost no iron
Astronomers have discovered one of the oldest and most primitive stars ever found, offering a rare glimpse into the early universe.
The star, named PicII-503,...
Nearby galaxies suggest the universe may be expanding more slowly than thought
For decades, scientists have tried to measure how fast the universe is expanding.
This expansion rate is known as the Hubble constant, and it plays...
Astronomers discover powerful “cosmic laser” shining from halfway across the universe
Astronomers using a powerful radio telescope in South Africa have discovered an extraordinary cosmic signal coming from more than 8 billion light-years away.
The signal...
Astronomers discover alcohol-rich interstellar comet passing through our solar system
Astronomers studying a rare interstellar comet have discovered something surprising: it contains unusually large amounts of methanol, a type of alcohol.
The discovery offers a...
Why are some stars always visible while others come and go with the seasons
As a space scientist, every time I go outside with my family, I tell my children to look up at the sky.
The front door...
Can life grow on the moon or Mars? New experiments offer surprising clues
As scientists plan future missions to the Moon and Mars, one major question remains: could humans grow food or even support life on these...
What’s inside a neutron star? New study points to answers in gravitational waves
Neutron stars are among the most mysterious objects in the universe.
Formed when massive stars collapse after exploding as supernovae, these incredibly dense objects pack...
Scientists decode ancient magnetic signals in asteroid Ryugu samples
Scientists studying tiny samples from the asteroid Ryugu have uncovered new clues about the magnetic environment that existed when the solar system first formed.
The...
How old is the universe? The oldest stars in the Milky Way may hold...
How old is the universe?
Scientists have long tried to answer this question, but different measurement methods have produced conflicting results.
Now, researchers from the University...
Deep Space
Mysterious x-rays may be first sign of ghost particles
Mysterious X-rays detected from nearby neutron stars may offer the first evidence of axions, hypothetical particles that could help unravel secrets about dark matter,...
Astronomers may have uncovered how galaxies change their shape
Researchers may have answered a decades-old question about galaxy evolution, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate their research.
Ever since the Hubble...
Scientists find new evidence for massive solar storms
In a new study, researchers found additional evidence for massive solar storms.
The new research showed the third known case of a massive solar storm...
If you’re going to call aliens, use this number
Let’s dive into one of those cosmic curiosities that’s bound to blow your mind: how we might chat with aliens.
And no, I’m not talking...
A 6-year search of the outer solar system turns up 461 new objects, but...
In the near future, astronomers will benefit from the presence of next-generation telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Nancy Grace...