Astronomy

Latest about Astronomy

a black and white photo of a white spacecraft with a large radio dish on one side

On this day in space! Nov. 1, 1962: Soviet Union launches Mars 1

By Hanneke Weitering last updated

On Nov. 1, 1962, the Soviet Union launched the Mars 1 spacecraft on a mission to fly by the Red Planet.

Asteroids

What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2025

By Tariq Malik, Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2025.

Reference
(Main) An image of the asteroid Ryugu as seen by the Japanese mission Hayabusa2 (Top right) a sample of Ryugu provided to NASA scientists (bottom right) an illustration of bacteria

A Flash, a Boom, a New Microbe Habitat

By Katherine Kornei published

After an asteroid struck Finland long ago, microscopic life colonized the impact site within a few million years, new research reveals.

Asteroids
a grey, dusty orb in space

Does the full moon make us sleepless? A neurologist explains the science behind sleep, mood and lunar myths

By Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse published

Research shows a full moon can modestly affect sleep, but its influence on mental health is much less certain.

The moon
The 3I/Atlas comet brightening by an unexpected about as it approaches the sun

Interstellar invader Comet 3I/ATLAS is still full of surprises — an unexpected brightening has scientists baffled

By Robert Lea published

"The reason for 3I’s rapid brightening, which far exceeds the brightening rate of most Oort cloud comets at similar distances, remains unclear."

Comets
A still showing the eye of Hurricane Melissa subdivided into smaller holes in swirling white clouds

Satellite images show 'mesovortices' forming around the eye of deadly Hurricane Melissa

By Elizabeth Howell published

Footage from a NOAA satellite taken Oct. 28 shows Melissa’s deadly spin as it moves across the Caribbean.

Earth
Portion of the GLEAM/GLEAM-X view of the Milky Way galaxy.

Explore the Milky Way like never before in this stunning new color map (image)

By Samantha Mathewson published

Astronomers have unveiled the largest low-frequency radio color image of the Milky Way ever created, offering a sprawling, interactive cosmic panorama with unprecedented detail.

Astronomy
Gray clouds and a dark landscape sandwich a band of bright orange dusky sky during sunset

Halloween colors come to Kitt Peak Observatory | Space photo of the day for Oct. 31, 2025

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

For Halloween, our space photo of the day shows a brilliant orange sunset over Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona.

Astronomy
a cloud of colorful gas on a black background

'Anti-social' cosmic explosion could change the way we think about dying stars and supernovas

By Robert Lea published

"Our scenario describes all the evolutionary phases of the supernova with great precision."

Astronomy
A large planetary nebula. The nebula’s central star is hidden by a blotchy pinkish cloud of dust. A strong red light radiates from this area, illuminating the nearby dust. Two large loops extend diagonally away from the centre, formed of thin ridges of molecular gas, here coloured blue. They stretch out to the corners of the view. A huge number of bright, whitish stars cover the background, also easily visible through the thin dust layers.

James Webb Space Telescope spots the haunting Red Spider Nebula with 3-light-year-long legs

By Monisha Ravisetti published

A new James Webb Space Telescope image showcases the gorgeous Red Spider Nebula against a backdrop of twinkling stars.

James Webb Space Telescope
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