Space
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SpaceExplainer: All about orbits
A handful of rules can describe the route some object repeatedly takes around another in space. Calculating that path, however, can be quite complex.
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EarthScientists Say: Atmosphere
An atmosphere is an envelope of gas around a planet, dwarf planet or moon.
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SpaceScientists Say: Constellation
Constellations are clusters of related things, especially the stars that form patterns in the night sky — some of which date back to ancient times.
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PlanetsMercury’s surface may be studded with diamonds
Billions of years of meteorite impacts may have transformed much of Mercury's graphite crust into precious gemstones.
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PlanetsLet’s learn about Pluto
Once known as a pipsqueak planet, Pluto is now the solar system’s best known dwarf planet.
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TechSpace trash could kill satellites, space stations — and astronauts
As private companies prepare to sprinkle space with tens of thousands of satellites, experts worry about the mushrooming threat of space junk.
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PhysicsScientists Say: Dark Energy
Dark energy is the unknown force causing the universe to expand faster and faster.
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SpaceWild art? No, it’s a radio image of the heart of our Milky Way
Eyelash-like radio filaments accent the brightest feature in this image — a supermassive black hole.
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PlanetsNo, organic molecules alone don’t point to life on Mars
These carbon-based molecules, found in a meteorite, may reflect merely a mixing of water and minerals on the Red Planet over billions of years.
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Health & MedicineHere’s how a new sleeping bag could protect astronauts’ eyesight
A new sleeping bag could avoid vision problems on long space flights due to microgravity. It counters a fluid buildup behind astronauts’ eyes.
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PhysicsExplainer: Gravity and microgravity
The force of gravity holds us on the ground, keeps planets in orbit and extends throughout space. A very weak gravitational pull is called microgravity.
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SpaceExplainer: Telescopes see light — and sometimes ancient history
Different kinds of telescopes on Earth and in space help us to see all wavelengths of light. Some can even peer billions of years back in time.