space

Editor's Picks

an illustration showing the hypothetical Planet 9 with blue rings and a question mark over it, with stars and a galaxy in the background
Planet Nine: Is the search for this elusive world nearly over? Astronomers have been scouring the outer solar system for signs of a hypothetical ninth planet for almost a decade, without success. However, we may finally be on the cusp of finding it, experts say.
Each bright spot in this image, the first all-sky image by eRosita, is black hole or a neutron star.
5 space discoveries that scientists are struggling to explain From "runaway" black holes shooting across the cosmos to secret planets in our own backyard, space is overrun with mysterious objects that scientists are clamoring to explain. Here are five of the strangest sights in the universe, as well as their possible origins.
An illustration of a large, round asteroid having a close encounter with the blue Earth
NASA's most wanted: The 5 most dangerous asteroids to Earth What is the most dangerous asteroid, how probable is an impact, and how much destructive power would a collision with Earth have? Here are 5 big space rocks that NASA is watching closely.

Latest about space

Artist impression of NASA's Voyager 1 probe traveling through interstellar space.

After months of sending gibberish to NASA, Voyager 1 is finally making sense again

By Sascha Pare published

NASA's Voyager 1 probe has resumed sending usable data back to Earth after engineers fixed a computer error that caused the interstellar spacecraft to only transmit gibberish for five months.

Space Exploration
The Helix Galaxy is unlike any other galaxy in the universe, due to its weird loops of dust and gas

Space photo of the week: Bizarre 'Helix Galaxy' is unlike any other in the universe. Can you see why?

By Jamie Carter published

The Helix Galaxy is a rare "polar ring" galaxy found near the Big Dipper. Its odd shape and history set it apart from every other galaxy we know of.

Astronomy
Orbital trajectories of Earth and asteroid 2024 GJ2.

Car-size asteroid discovered 2 days ago flies by Earth at 1/30th the distance of the moon

By Josh Dinner published

A newly discovered asteroid got within 12,000 miles of Earth on a harrowing, ultra-close approach today. The space rock won't return for 70 years.

Asteroids
A black-and-white image of a lunar orbiter traveling past the surface of the moon.

NASA spacecraft snaps mysterious 'surfboard' orbiting the moon. What is it?

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter photographed a mysterious, surfboard-shaped object orbiting the moon. Here's what it really was.

Space Exploration
As Europe enjoyed a partial solar eclipse on the morning of Friday 20 March 2015.

Solar eclipse 2024: 8 things to watch for during totality

By Jamie Carter last updated

From "diamond rings" to Baily's beads, here's what to look for today during the brief darkness within the path of totality.

The Sun
A green-tinged comet as seen in the night sky

Explosive green 'Mother of Dragons' comet now visible in the Northern Hemisphere

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

The green comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is now visible in the night sky in North America. Here's how to see it.

Comets
I Zwicky 18 is a dwarf irregular galaxy in Ursa Major.

Space photo of the week: James Webb telescope reveals surprising starburst in ancient galaxy

By Jamie Carter published

New infrared observations from the James Webb Space Telescope unveil a galaxy far, far away that's creating new stars.

Astronomy
An image of a solar flare captured by a telescope.

Powerful X-class solar flare slams Earth, triggering radio blackout over the Pacific Ocean

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

On March 28, Earth was hit by an X-class solar flare that was strong enough to ionize part of the planet's atmosphere.

The Sun
Ongoing preparations for the launch of a Delta IV Heavy rocket in Florida.

Secretive Delta IV Heavy rocket launch postponed indefinitely

By Sascha Pare last updated

The final liftoff of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket was postponed indefinitely following a last-minute nitrogen issue.

Space
A photographer takes a picture of the sun through the clouds at the Villarica volcano sky center refuge, in Pucon, Chile on December 13, 2020.

What happens if it's cloudy for the April 8 solar eclipse?

By Joe Rao published

Though everyone is hoping for clear skies, here's what might happen if an eclipse-chaser's worst enemy — clouds — decides to make an appearance.

The Sun
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