Latest science news in Astronomy & Space
River water might be salmonella source
ATHENS, Ga., March 2 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggests health officials investigating salmonella illnesses consider untreated river surface water as a possible source of contamination.
The oldest isolated pulsar is surprisingly active
The oldest isolated pulsar ever detected in X-rays has been found with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. This very old and exotic object turns out to be surprisingly active. The pulsar,...
Energy simulation may explain turbulence mystery
A new 3D model linking magnetic fields to the transfer of energy in space might help solve a physics mystery first observed in the solar wind 15 years ago...
Explorers begin epic Arctic trek
A British team has begun a gruelling trek to the North Pole to discover how quickly the Arctic sea-ice is melting
Mars orbiter expected back online next week after sudden reboot
A spacecraft studying Mars that suddenly rebooted and went into "safe" mode early this week is expected to be fully operational again next week.
Synthetic life form grows in Florida lab
When NASA began thinking about missions to look for life beyond Earth, it realized it had a problem: how to recognize life if it were found.
Space Dust More Pervasive Than Thought
Red tint to quasar light suggests intergalactic dust driven out of galaxies.
Otherworldly Solar Eclipse
For the first time, a spacecraft from Earth has captured hi-resolution images of a solar eclipse while orbiting another world.
NASA, FBI Accuse UF Professor, Family of Fraud
Federal investigators allege a University of Florida professor fraudulently received millions in NASA money.
Lights, camera, action: Yellowknife to share aurora borealis with world
A camera being set up in Yellowknife this year will allow people around the world to see the northern lights without having to leave home.
A Sliver of Chance for Life on Mars
Some researchers believe life may have had a chance of survival on Mars. based on Phoenix lander data.
Researchers show small robots can prepare lunar surface for NASA outpost
Small robots the size of riding mowers could prepare a safe landing site for NASA's Moon outpost, according to a NASA-sponsored study prepared by Astrobotic Technology Inc. with technical assistance...
Into the eye of the Helix
The Helix Nebula, NGC 7293, lies about 700 light-years away in the constellation of Aquarius (the Water Bearer). It is one of the closest and most spectacular examples of a...
Final European crewmembers announced for human Mars mission simulation
ESA has announced the European prime and backup crewmembers for the 105-day Mars500 study. From 31 March 2009, two Europeans are set to join four Russian crewmembers on a simulated...
Mars Orbiter Glitch Stalls Red Planet Science
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has suffered a glitch that has stalled science observations.
NASA aims for March 12 space shuttle launch
(AP) -- NASA is aiming to launch the space shuttle Discovery next month after repeated delays caused by critical valves. Shuttle managers said Wednesday they hope to launch on...
James Webb Space Telescope's Actual 'Spine' Now Being Built
Scientists and engineers who have been working on the James Webb Space Telescope mission for years are getting very excited, because some of the actual pieces that will fly aboard...
Cosmologist Explores Notion Of 'Alien' Life On Earth
Astrobiologists have often pondered "life as we do not know it" in the context of extraterrestrial life, says Paul Davies, an internationally acclaimed theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Arizona State...
New Video - NewSpace: The Orbital Industrial Revolution
Private space entrepreneurs risk fortunes and flirt with physical danger as they boldly go to market in orbit.
NASA Names Chairman for Orbiting Carbon Observatory Investigation
NASA's Rick Obenschain, deputy director at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will lead the investigation board for the unsuccessful launch of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory on Feb....
Galileo's telescope recreated
ROME, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- An Italian team of astronomers, scientists and historians says it has built a telescope using 17th-century astronomer Galileo Galilei's original design.
Solar System Pinball
Large gaps in the main asteroid belt reveal that outer planets have altered their orbits
Wandering U.S. Spy Satellite Prompts Continuing Concerns
The wayward U.S. spy satellite DSP-23 remains a serious concern to other spacecraft.
IceCube building goals exceeded at South Pole
(PhysOrg.com) -- As the 2008-09 Antarctic drilling season concludes, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory is on track to be finished as planned in 2011.
International Polar Year: Notes from the poles
The International Polar Year (IPY) has covered two full annual cycles at both poles. Consisting of 170 projects, it has involved more than 60 countries and cost about US$1.2 billion.
NASA Announces 2009 Astronomy and Astrophysics Fellows
NASA has selected fellows in three areas of astronomy and astrophysics for its Einstein, Hubble, and Sagan Fellowships. The recipients of this year's post-doctoral fellowships will conduct independent research at...
Astronomers urge N.B. to stay in dark
Astronomers are hoping to preserve the famously dark places of New Brunswick.
Space Solar Power Crowd Bets on Obama
Space solar power advocates are hoping the Obama administration will revive their experiment.