Earth's Place in the Universe

Science & Society

Introducing the 2011 Nobel Prize winners

Scientists in 2011 won for making unexpected discoveries about crystals, the human body and the universe.

Planets

Double sunsets on a distant world

Astronomers discover for the first time a planet circling two stars.

Space

Fireworks near the Big Dipper

Astronomers see a star as it explodes.

Planets

Possible new saltwater stains on Mars

Dark streaks that grow in spring, fade in winter may point to saltwater on the Red Planet.

Space

How the outer sun gets so hot

Magnetic waves boost the corona to extreme temperatures.

Space

Not seeing sunspots

Scientists predict a delay for the sun’s next cycle.

Space

The dark side of the universe

Most of the cosmos is invisible, but that doesn’t stop scientists from searching for it.

Space

A curious cosmic explosion

A bright blowup far, far away keeps astronomers guessing.

Physics

Planetary paparazzo

NASA satellite snaps historic photographs of Mercury.

Planets

The growing planetary family

At least 1,200 added to list of possible planets beyond the solar system.

Space

Dark galaxy

Astronomers have spied a massive galaxy that appears to contain no stars.

Space

Black hole journey

Research on weird, invisible objects called black holes might help explain how the universe began.