Space
- Physics
After 30 years, this supernova is still sharing secrets
It’s been 30 years since astronomers first witnessed the stellar explosion known as SN 1987A. Today, researchers are still learning from this cataclysmic phenomenon.
- Space
Scientists Say: Supernova
When a star has too much mass, it can explode. The explosion is called a supernova.
- Physics
Getting ready for the solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse will race across the continental United States in August 2017. Scientists and the public are preparing to watch and learn.
- Space
Citizen scientists wanted to make an eclipse megamovie
A solar eclipse will cross the United States on August 21, 2017. Video capture by people in the eclipse’s path can help with scientific research.
- Physics
Eclipses come in many forms
Eclipses are one of nature’s most awesome spectacles, and scientists have learned a lot by observing them and related celestial alignments — occultations and transits.
- Planets
Scientists Say: Eclipse
How the sun, moon and Earth line up determines whether there’s a solar or lunar eclipse.
- Space
Cosmic mystery: Why are many galaxies dark?
Dark galaxies went unnoticed until 2015. Since then, scientists have now found more than 1,000 — and there may be many, many more.
- Earth
How Earth got its moon
How did our moon form? Scientists are still debating the answer. It may be the result of some one big impact with Earth — or perhaps many small ones.
- Math
Analyze This: The masses of planets
Scientists discovered a solar system with planets that are similar in size and mass to Earth. Using data, we take a closer look at that similarity.
- Science & Society
Will we know alien life when we see it?
The hunt is on for extraterrestrials. But recognizing them may require some wiggle room in what we define as being alive.
- Earth
Keeping space missions from infecting Earth and other worlds
Scientists are always looking for ways to stop Earthly microbes from polluting other planets. The same goes for bringing bits of other planets back to Earth.
- Science & Society
Cool Jobs: Reaching out to E.T. is a numbers game
From figuring out if we’re alone in the universe, to writing messages to aliens, scientists use math in many ways in their search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
