Harry Baker

A new video shows how Earth's magnetic field weakened and warped before temporarily flipping during a recent "polar reversal event."

A probabilistic new map of the universe surrounding the Milky Way reveals that our galaxy is likely part of an even larger "basin of attraction" than we previously assumed.

A new analysis of a peculiar metallic cloud surrounding the exoplanet WASP-49 b provides further evidence that it may have been birthed by a volcanic satellite, which may become the first officially recognized "exomoon."

A surprise announcement from scientists involved in monitoring the solar cycle has finally confirmed that the sun's most active and dangerous phase — solar maximum — is already well underway, and could continue for at least a year.

New photos of comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS appear to show a faint "anti-tail" pointing away in the wrong direction. The puzzling extra limb is the result of a rare illusion that is only possible when our planet is in a certain position.

Earth from space This 2012 satellite photo shows a quartet of near-identical glaciers on Canada's Ellesmere Island. The ice masses help to spark life in the otherwise barren Arctic environment.

The launch of the Qianfan satellites on Aug. 6 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

A new study captured never-before-seen footage of hydrogen and oxygen atoms combining to form a miniature water droplet out of "thin air." The newly improved reaction could one day help astronauts make water in space.

Newfound comet C/2024 S1 will light up Earth's skies in late October before a super close slingshot around the sun.

Earth from space This 2014 satellite photo shows a cloud of haze sitting in the Kashmir Valley in the Himalayas. The ethereal "lake" consists mainly of smog and other pollutants from nearby factories.

Researchers discovered that some comb jellies can fuse their bodies together when injured. The unique adaptation, which involves merging their nervous systems and stomachs, has never been seen in any other species.

The sun has unleashed the most powerful solar flare since 2017, just days after it spat out another monster explosion. Both outbursts have launched solar storms that will likely hit Earth this weekend and trigger vibrant aurora displays.

Images captured by Curiosity's onboard cameras show several large tears in the tire of one of the rover's wheels. However, the damage does not appear to be slowing the roaming robot down.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the uncontrolled reentry of part of a Falcon 9 rocket that delivered passengers to the International Space Station in a capsule that will return stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth next year.

Earth from space This 2015 photo from the International Space Station showcases the deep tidal channels that cut through a line of cays in the Bahamas. Astronauts say it is "one of the most recognizable points on the planet."

The sun just unleashed one of its largest solar explosions in recent years, temporarily causing a radio blackout on Earth and spitting out a coronal mass ejection that will likely collide with our planet this weekend.

A new study reveals that Generation 2 Starlink satellites are leaking up to 30 times more radio waves than their predecessors. If SpaceX continues to deploy the newer versions as planned, we could reach an "inflection point" where astronomers can no longer properly study the cosmos, researchers warn.

60-year-old Oleg Kononenko has safely returned to Earth following a record-breaking year-long stint onboard the International Space Station. His latest trip to space means he has now spent more time in orbit than any other human.

The record-breaking crystal will act as a DNA time capsule that could be used to bring back humanity after our extinction, researchers say. But not everyone is convinced.

Earth from space A 2012 satellite photo captured a patch of snow-covered sea ice with an uncannily similar shape to badges pinned on the uniforms of Starfleet officers in the "Star Trek" franchise.

Scientists used AI to find 303 never-before-seen geoglyphs in Peru's Nazca Desert, including abstract humanoid figures, ancient ceremonies, "decapitated heads" and a "killer whale holding a knife."

A new map that details gravitational anomalies on Mars has revealed 20 mysteriously dense blobs, including a dog-shaped mass, buried below the planet's north pole. And researchers have no clear idea where they came from.

A new study has revealed the exact origin of the Pacific Ocean's mysterious "biotwang" noises, which were first detected by underwater surveys near the Mariana Trench in 2014.

A new analysis of the brushstrokes and colors in Vincent van Gogh's famous painting Starry Night reveals a striking similarity to "hidden turbulence" in Earth's atmosphere, suggesting the iconic artist had a surprisingly detailed understanding of natural processes.

Check out some of the best photos from 2024's Ocean Photographer of the Year competition.