Astronomy
Satellite Constellations Are an Existential Threat for Astronomy
Growing swarms of spacecraft in orbit are outshining the stars, and scientists fear no one will do anything to stop it
Stories by Rebecca Boyle
Space Exploration
A New Private Moon Race Kicks Off Soon
Commercial spacecraft are vying to land on the lunar surface, but can they jump-start a new space economy?
Planetary Science
The Race to Find Alien Moons
Astronomers are hunting for the first moon around a planet beyond our solar system
Space & Physics
Can a Moon Base Be Safe for Astronauts?
Creating a sustainable human presence beyond low-Earth orbit requires a clear-eyed view of the risks—and rewards—inherent in spaceflight
Space & Physics
Apollo-Era Tremors Reveal a Dynamic, Active Moon
Moonquakes still shake and reshape the lunar surface in ways that could threaten future astronauts and habitats
Space & Physics
Lost Opportunity: After a 15-Year Odyssey, NASA’s Trailblazing Mars Rover Approaches Its End
Although resuscitation attempts are still underway, officials are on the verge of announcing the death of the Red Planet’s longest-lived robotic explorer
Space & Physics
Ghostly Galaxies Hint at Dark Matter Breakthrough
Two newfound galaxies appear to be devoid of the mysterious substance, paradoxically providing more proof dark matter exists
Policy
Young and Struggling in Science
Life is hard for early-career researchers, who must contend with uncertain futures, compete for funding and balance family life, with the frequent need to move for jobs
Space & Physics
The New Biography of the Sun
Our closest star has a much more exciting biography than scientists once assumed. New research illuminates the sun's past and potential future
Space & Physics
Will NASA Go Nuclear to Return to the Moon?
A new reactor design could make nuclear-powered space exploration cheap, reliable and safe
Space & Physics
Astronomers Boggle at a Distant Galaxy Devoid of Dark Matter
The newfound object NGC 1052-DF2 defies easy explanation and could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of how galaxies form and evolve
Fitness
Bright Light Speeds Up Aging in Mice
Exposure to artificial light weakens rodent’ muscles and bones, but risks to humans are not clear
The Sciences
Plant Biology Informs the Origins of the Stradivarius
A tomato expert and viola player uses plant statistics to trace the history of the violin
Space & Physics
Why Does the Sun’s Corona Get So Hot? NASA Launches Telescope to Find Out
As plasma is ejected from the sun’s surface, its temperature skyrockets--and so far physicists have not been able to explain why
Space & Physics
Moonstruck: Tagalong Probe to Blast Moon in Search for Water
The LCROSS spacecraft, launching next week, will impact the moon to see what flies up
Astronomy
These Dusty Young Stars Are Changing the Rules of Planet-Building
Astronomers peer inside planetary nurseries for clues about how our solar system and others came to be
