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

Three of the best star projectors on a colorful background

Best star projectors 2024: Bring the cosmos indoors

By Tantse Walter last updated

BUYING GUIDE The best star projectors bring the wonders of the cosmos into your home — find the best models here so you're ready for Amazon Prime Day.

BUYING GUIDE
Someone using one of the best telescopes

Best telescopes 2024: Beginner and advanced scopes for stars, galaxies and nebulas

By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated

The best telescopes offer an unparalleled view of the cosmos, and we've gathered our favorites just in time for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day.

Space
Is that really a floating spoon on Mars or just a strange rock?

32 things on Mars that look like they shouldn't be there

By Brandon Specktor published

The more scientists study the Red Planet, the more they find unusual objects and patterns scattered across Mars' surface. Here are some of the most baffling.

Mars
Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS above Earth taken from the International Space Station

Scientists discover bright 'sungrazer' comet that could be visible with the naked eye this month — after Tsuchinshan–ATLAS

By Harry Baker published

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

Comets
An illustration of the three stars of the TIC 290061484 triple star system

NASA's exoplanet hunter TESS spots a record-breaking 3-star system

By Robert Lea published

Using NASA's exoplanet-hunting spacecraft, TESS, astronomers and citizen scientists have discovered a record-breaking system of three tightly bound stars that could fit between the sun and Mercury.

Exoplanets
An illustration of a small spacecraft above an icy surface, with a large Jupiter visible in the background

Why NASA is sending the Europa Clipper to search for aliens near Jupiter

By James Lloyd published

In the coming weeks, NASA's Europa Clipper will take off on a long journey to Jupiter's moon Europa. The icy moon could potentially host alien life — and there's only one way to find out.

Space Exploration
A new James Webb Space Telescipe image shows the stunning 'pillars of creation,' brightly glowing tendrils of gas and dust within the Milky Way

James Webb Space Telescope is 'science and magic rolled together,' says iconic astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock

By Ben Turner published

Maggie Aderin-Pocock tells us about the power of the James Webb Space Telescope and how she inspires disadvantaged students to enter STEM.

Astronomy
A meteor falls to Earth with a green aurora in the background

Draconid meteor shower 2024: How to see dozens of 'shooting stars' fall from the dragon's tail this week

By Jamie Carter published

How to watch the Draconid meteor shower peak on Oct. 8 and 9 in the tail of a cosmic dragon.

Meteoroids
A solar eclipse where the middle of the sun is blocked but the outer ring is visible

Space photo of the week: Easter Island's last 'ring of fire' eclipse for 320 years

By Jamie Carter published

Oct. 2's annular solar eclipse saw a small-looking new moon cross the face of the sun to create a perfect circle for about six minutes.

The Sun
an artist's rendering of the moon in between the Earth and Sun

How far away is the moon?

By Sarah Wells published

The moon's distance from Earth changes depending on where it is in its elliptical orbit.

The Moon
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