Space
Learn about the latest astronomy news and discoveries around humanity’s endeavor beyond the final frontier.
Readers in Africa and Asia can see a “ring of fire” eclipse this Sunday
This weekend kicks off the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, and this year features an additional special solar event: a "ring of fire" new moon and solar eclipse. Lunar eclipses happen when the Earth sits between the sun and a full moon, while solar eclipses happen when the new moon Read More...
Mysterious spots on one of Saturn’s moons found to be dry lake beds
In the early 2000s, astronomers noticed mysterious bright spots on Titan, one of Saturn’s moons. A new study has determined that the spots, which are more than 3,000 miles wide, are remnants of dried-up lakes. “Titan is still currently the only other place in the universe that we know to Read More...
Anyone out there? Our galaxy may host more alien life than we thought
For astronauts and E.T. fans alike, the big question has always been, is there alien life out there? Now, science may be able to offer an answer to that question. Although nobody has received communication from any alien civilizations, researchers estimate that there are 36 viable sites for life in Read More...
New sedimentary evidence shows large rivers once flowed on Mars
The potential presence of water on Mars has fascinated scientists and citizens since we first began exploring its surface. Now, researchers have discovered new evidence that rivers once flowed on the red planet. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers outlined how Read More...
Happy International Dark Sky Week! Here’s how to celebrate virtually
This week is International Dark Sky Week. Although astronomers and stargazers are not meeting up in-person this year to gaze up at our marvelous night sky, enthusiasts are still celebrating online and from the comfort of their homes. International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has put together a Read More...
Scientists discover brightest supernova ever recorded
A supernova is the bright and powerful explosion of a star that is at least five times larger than our sun. This week, scientists at the Center for Astrophysics discovered a supernova larger and brighter than any on record. These enormous stars burn large amounts of nuclear energy at their Read More...
An astronaut’s guide to surviving isolation
If you’re struggling to remain positive while social distancing, consider watching a space film to put your quarantine in perspective. All jokes aside, many astronauts are used to spending extended periods of time in isolation, sometimes up to a year. A few astronauts have weighed in on Read More...
NASA’s “Perseverance” rover will still launch on time this summer
The new Mars rover, scheduled to launch in July, is most appropriately named “Perseverance.” Despite budget complications and the global COVID-19 pandemic, NASA is confident that the six-wheeled rover will still take off this summer. According to division director Lori Glaze, the rover is Read More...
Scientists may have discovered evidence of life of Mars
An international team of astrobiologists made an exciting discovery last week on Mars where they found the presence of “thiophenes,” special compounds found in coal, crude oil, and white truffles back on Earth. The research, published in the Astrobiology journal, explains that thiophenes Read More...
Scientists find lettuce grown in space is just as nutritious as Earth-grown
The International Space Station (ISS) has been experimenting with growing its own lettuce and good news for astronauts, a study found the space-grown variety to be just as nutritious as Earth-grown. The red romaine was analyzed by NASA scientists Gioia Massa and Christina Khodadad who looked at Read More...