The Planet K2-18b May Not Be Habitable After All
New research suggests Exoplanet K2-18b may actually be a gas-rich planet with no habitable surface instead of a habitable water world.
JWST Photographs Possible Giant Planets Around White Dwarfs
JWST has directly imaged two giant exoplanets orbiting white dwarf stars. This discovery may reveal the fate of our solar system.
Using Ancient Ultraviolet Light to Probe Theories of Cosmology
By studying the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe, researchers seek to test the predictions of our leading theory of cosmology.
Dark Halos and Warped Disks
Galaxies are embedded within halos of dark matter, and the tilt of those halos can affect the galaxy's stellar halo and stellar disk.
Fast Radio Burst Roundup
They’re powerful, they’re fast, and we aren’t sure about what causes them, but astronomers are closer than ever to understanding the source of mysterious fast radio bursts.
Comet 46P/Wirtanen: All Dust, No Ice
Where is all of the water around hyperactive comets coming from? A recent article asked if it could be “Ice, Ice, Maybe?” and concluded that it likely isn’t.
Could Axions Help Fast Radio Bursts Escape a Magnetar’s Grasp?
New research proposes a way for fast radio bursts to escape the confines of a magnetized star and jet out into space — by getting help from theoretical particles called axions.
Could Supermassive Stars Explain How This Galaxy Got Its Nitrogen?
Supermassive stars might explain the unusual amounts of nitrogen in one of the most distant known galaxies, GN-z11.
Red Galaxies at Night, Astronomers' Delight: A Look at the “Hubble-Dark” Universe
JWST images of early galaxies have turned up a population of flat, red disks that may have been entirely missed by previous surveys.
Focusing on the Brightest Gamma-ray Burst of All Time
Gamma-ray bursts are the most luminous explosions in the universe, and we’ve learned much about these superlative outbursts since their discovery in 1967.
A Fresh Look at Kepler-444’s Ancient Planetary System
Astronomers have taken a closer look at a system containing three stars and five planets and may have solved a mystery around its formation.
Searching for the Seeds of Supermassive Black Holes
The seeds of supermassive black holes could show up in an upcoming sky survey with JWST.
JWST Investigates an Exoplanet "Corgi"
The James Webb Space Telescope has found the tiny tail of a close-in exoplanet that's losing its atmosphere.
Four Stars, Many Eclipses
Stars are most often born as multiples. Now, the TESS telescope has caught one of these multiple systems in a unique setup.
A Supernova Hits a Cosmic Speed Bump
Why did a supernova abruptly change color? A recent study suggests a change in ejecta velocity — a cosmic speed bump — might be the culprit.
New Life for Lunar Seismic Data
A team of planetary scientists has reprocessed Apollo-era seismic data to meet modern forms, ensuring that these precious measurements remain usable for the next generation.
Caught in a Solar Storm on the Way to Mars
A chance alignment between Earth and a Mars-bound spacecraft has given us a rare glimpse at the motions of high-energy particles from the Sun.
When Planets Collect Comets
What kind of planets are likely to ensnare comets coming in from the icy outer reaches of a planetary system?
The Life and Times of Immortal Stars
Under the right conditions, stars could become immortal. How is this possible, and what does it mean for these stars’ surroundings?
Spotting Dots on the Sun
You’ve heard of sunspots, but how about Sun dots? A recent solar mission has snapped photos of tiny, bright dots on the Sun, and astronomers are contemplating their cause.