Latest science news in Astronomy & Space
Curtain to Lift on Alien Planets by the Hundreds
space, exoplanets, alien planets, planets, worlds, astronomy, life, habitable zone, gliese 581g, extrasolar planets, solar system, universe
P/2010 A2: X-Shaped Intruder In The Asteroid Belt
What happens when you think you have seen a recent collision between two asteroids but find a bizarre X-shaped object at the head of a comet-like trail of material? ...
Last Crew of Space Shuttle Discovery Rehearses Launch Day
The six-astronauts crew of space shuttle Discovery's final mission is scheduled to complete a full launch day run-through Oct. 15 in preparation for their Nov. 1 launch to the International...
NASA Spacecraft Hurtles Toward … tive Comet Hartley 2
NASA's Deep Impact/EPOXI spacecraft is hurtling toward Comet Hartley 2 for a breathtaking flyby on Nov. 4th. Mission scientists say all systems are go for a close encounter with one...
Distant Star Explosion Chokes On Its Own Dust
A giant star in a faraway galaxy recently ended its life with a dust-shrouded whimper instead of the more typical bang.
UT Dallas researcher helps reveal more complete picture of Martian atmosphere
Instruments designed by a UT Dallas professor to measure atmospheric components on the surface of Mars have uncovered important clues about the planet's atmosphere and climate history. The findings,...
John Huchra Dies at 61; Maps Altered Ideas on Universe
John Huchra, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, was part of a team whose maps suggested the existence of great clusters of galaxies.
Scientists seek ancient cosmic 'strings'
BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they may have evidence of the strangest structures believed to exist in the universe: ancient cosmic strings from the time...
Observatory: A Whale of a Journey, Captured in Photos
Images made by an amateur photographer helped scientists trace the movement of a female humpback whale that took an unprecedented 6,000-mile trip.
Astronomer Stands By Discovery of Alien Planet Gliese 581g Amid Doubts
Despite the doubts raised recently about the existence of the potentially habitable alien world Gliese 581g, the planet's co-discoverer is standing behind his group's find.
NASA Chief's Trip to China Sparks Controversy
NASA chief Charles Bolden responds to critics of his planned trip to China to discuss U.S.-Chinese cooperation in space.
CU-Boulder student dust counter breaks distance record on New Horizons mission to Pluto
A University of Colorado at Boulder space dust counter designed, tested and operated by students that is flying aboard NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto now holds the record for...
MIT researches cause of pain in spacesuit gloves
All spacesuit gloves stiffen and fill with gas during an astronaut spacewalk, also known as extravehicular activity, or EVA. This pressure production is required to keep astronauts alive in space,...
Explosives: don't try this at home
BBC programme gets a good look at the big bangs that started without any theory
Forget the Coppertone: Water Fleas in Mountain Ponds Can Handle UV Rays
Water fleas from clear-water alpine ponds are better able to withstand UV radiation, even with little natural protection, than fleas in nearby ponds with water that isn't as clear.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Reigns Supreme in America
A new study finds that Americans are far more likely than Europeans or Chinese to possess an entrepreneurial spirit.
Deep Hotspots on Ancient Mars Looked Habitable
The discovery may also help solve the methane mystery on Mars.
10th Anniversary of the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters'
ESA PR 2010-23 In 2000, the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters” was set up on the initiative of ESA (European Space Agency) and CNES (France’s Centre national d’études spatiales)....
Cosmic Heat Wave Caused Patchy Galaxy Formation
A galactic heat wave 11 billion years ago unleashed fierce blasts of radiation that altered how some galaxies formed, a new study finds.
Scientists track Earth's early oxygen
TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they're closer to discovering how and when Earth's early oceans and atmosphere gained their oxygen, vital for life on the...
Science package ready for new Mars mission
GREENBELT, Md., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- One of the final scientific instrument packages for NASA's upcoming Mars Science Laboratory is finished and ready for installation, officials said.
President Obama Signs New Vision for U.S. Space Exploration Into Law
President Obama signed a pivotal NASA act today (Oct. 11) that turns his vision for U.S. space exploration of asteroids and Mars into law.
Observatory: When a Dog’s Dish Seems Half Empty
Your basset hound may not just look depressed, he may actually be a pessimist.
NASA partnership sends earth science data to Africa
A unique partnership between NASA and agencies in Africa and Europe has sent more than 30 terabytes of free Earth science satellite data to South African researchers to support sustainable...
Most Kenyans say no to cleaner energy, study finds
Most Kenyan households would continue using 'dirty' energy sources without a significant income increase, says a study.
Private Space Capsule Set for November Test Flight
A private unmanned spacecraft designed to ferry supplies to the International Space Station is slated to launch on its first demonstration flight, tentatively scheduled for early November.
Norwegians take up U.S. shale deposits
STAVANGER, Norway, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Norwegian energy company Statoil sees shale gas deposits in North America as part of the future of energy sector, the company announced.
Layoffs Continue as NASA Slows Moon Program Spending
NASA has advised contractors to anticipate reduced spending on the moon-bound Constellation program it plans to cancel, prompting a new round of contractor layoffs.