earth
Latest about earth

Can you see Earth's shadow?
By Abha Jain published
Earth's shadow follows the planet as it orbits the sun. You can get a sense of its enormous, awe-inspiring size by seeing this silhouette cast on objects ranging from satellites to the moon.

Exceptionally rare sighting of planets colliding may shed light on the crash that formed the moon
By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published
Astronomers say a distant, sunlike star shows signs of a catastrophic planet-on-planet crash that may mirror the ancient impact that formed Earth's moon.

Vernal equinox 2026: When is the first day of spring?
By Jamie Carter published
The first day of spring 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere arrives with the equinox on March 20. Here's when and why the seasons change.

How long do most planets last?
By Sara Hashemi published
Planets are born, and they can also "die." So what's the lifespan of a typical planet?

Viruses that evolved on the space station and were sent back to Earth were more effective at killing bacteria
By Manuela Callari published
Near-weightless conditions can mutate genes and alter the physical structures of bacteria and phages, disrupting their normal interactions in ways that could help us treat drug-resistant infections.

Astronomers may have already spotted the 'Great Comet of 2026' — and it could soon be visible to the naked eye
By Harry Baker published
Recently discovered Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) will make its closest approach to the sun and Earth in late April and could potentially be visible to the naked eye. It may end up being the brightest comet of the year.

When does winter start? Your guide to the 2025 winter solstice.
By Jamie Carter published
Astronomical winter begins Sunday, Dec. 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. Here's how the solstice works.

Earth had a secret neighbor, and it may explain our moon
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Earth may have a moon today because a nearby neighbor once crashed into us, a new analysis of Apollo samples and terrestrial rocks reveals.

Hidden, supercharged 'thermostat' may cause Earth to overcorrect for climate change
By Sascha Pare published
Rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere may trigger a series of geological and biological processes that could ensure the next ice age arrives on time instead of being delayed, researchers say.
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