Space exploration, scientific discoveries, astronomy, and physics.
259 articles
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected mysterious 'little red dots' that defy easy explanation. New research suggests these could be incredibly massive, supermassive stars, potentially linked to the formation of ancient globular clusters, offering a novel solution to long-standing astronomical puzzles.
The day of equal daylight and darkness, known as the equilux, typically occurs a few days before the spring equinox. This difference is due to Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight, making days appear longer.
NASA's New Horizons mission has revealed towering ice volcanoes on Pluto, challenging previous notions of the dwarf planet as a geologically inert world. These colossal cryovolcanic structures suggest a surprisingly active interior, reshaping our understanding of planetary evolution in the outer solar system.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is now live, transmitting a massive stream of astronomical data that's accessible to everyone. Sophisticated data brokers and filtering tools allow astronomers and citizen scientists to search for new cosmic events in near real-time, promising a new era of discovery.
NASA's Artemis program is undergoing significant changes, with the SLS rocket preparing for an April launch and the Centaur V set to replace the Exploration Upper Stage from Artemis IV onwards. Artemis III is also being reconfigured as a low Earth orbit mission, while legislative efforts push for a permanent lunar base.
SpaceX's Starbase facility witnessed a pivotal week of testing for the Super Heavy booster, including the rollout of the Version 3 design and initial static fire tests on the new Pad 2. This marks a significant step towards the most powerful rocket ever built.
A groundbreaking proposal envisions a 99-meter starshade orbiting Earth, capable of blocking starlight to reveal exoplanets for powerful ground-based telescopes. Meanwhile, new analysis of the DART mission's final moments offers visual proof of asteroid moon formation, and cosmic tension persists as scientists refine the age of the universe.
Astrophysicist Dr. Becky Smethurst breaks down the real science behind the sci-fi blockbuster 'Project Hail Mary.' From the hypothetical 'Astrophage' dimming the Sun to the mind-bending effects of time dilation during interstellar travel, discover which elements are grounded in physics and which venture into speculative fiction.
New research shows that hardy bacteria can survive asteroid impacts, bolstering the theory that life could travel between planets. This discovery sheds light on the potential for panspermia and the origins of life on Earth.
Astronomers, astrophysicists, and cosmologists employ diverse methods to study the universe, from observing distant galaxies to understanding cosmic origins. Access to powerful telescopes like JWST is competitive, requiring strong scientific proposals. Neutrinos offer early warnings for supernovae, while planetary gravity poses a significant challenge for space exploration.
