Space

In the quest to understand the origins of life, scientists have long debated the role of extraterrestrial influences. Among the theories proposed, panspermia stands out as one of the most provocative, suggesting that life on Earth may have originated from microbial life transported on comets and asteroids. A recent study involving samples from the asteroid

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look for ways to enhance our festive atmosphere, often relying on familiar elements like the warmth of a fireplace. However, this year, NASA has introduced an innovation that could revolutionize our idea of holiday ambiance. Bid farewell to the traditional fireplace videos depicting crackling logs and glowing

In 2015, the serene landscape of Maryborough Regional Park near Melbourne, Australia, played host to a remarkable event that would merge amateur prospecting with the wonders of celestial exploration. David Hole, an avid treasure hunter, set out with his metal detector, a tool that has historically yielded gold nuggets in this famed Goldfields region –

Asteroid mining is increasingly captivating the imagination of scientists, entrepreneurs, and the general public alike. Countless articles tout staggering valuations of metallic asteroids, such as one article that evaluates the asteroid Psyche at an astronomical $10 quintillion. However, behind these hyperbolic figures lies the pressing question of how grounded these estimates actually are, as well

The recent docking of a Russian cargo spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS) has sparked conversations beyond the regular excitement of supply deliveries. This particular mission not only brought essential provisions like food and scientific instruments but also introduced an unsettling odor that captured the attention of astronauts aboard the station. The scent was

In an unprecedented advancement for astrophysics, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have launched the most expansive simulation of the universe to date, aided by the Frontier supercomputer. In November 2024, the effort known as ExaSky harnessed the power of 9,000 computing nodes to model a colossal volume of more than 31 billion cubic megaparsecs.

The Milky Way serves as an essential reference point for astronomers striving to understand the intricacies of galaxy formation and evolution. Positioned within this spiral galaxy, astronomers can leverage advanced observational tools to probe deeper into its properties across various wavelengths. By monitoring aspects such as stellar populations and gas motion within the Milky Way,

NGC 4594, commonly known as the Sombrero Galaxy, holds a significant place in the history of astronomical discovery. Discovered in 1781 by the esteemed French astronomer Pierre Méchain, this galaxy has fascinated astronomers and stargazers alike with its unique structure and appearance. The most striking feature of NGC 4594 is its prominent ring of dust

The notion that liquid water once flowed on the surface of Mars has captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike, but recent findings push the timeline even further back. Research indicates that water may have existed on the Red Planet as far back as 4.45 billion years ago, shortly after the formation of

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, is not only fascinating for its surface conditions and potential for habitability but also for its two moons: Phobos and Deimos. Unlike Earth, which has one large moon formed through a cataclysmic impact with a Mars-sized body known as Theia, the origins of these Martian satellites are

In the vast expanse of our universe, there exist celestial phenomena that captivate both the scientific community and the avid stargazer alike. Among these wonders is the Crab Pulsar, a remnant of a supernova that occurred approximately 6,200 light-years from Earth. This pulsar emits a series of radio waves, pulsating in a rhythmic cadence, akin

Every day, Earth is bombarded by cosmic rays—mysterious and powerful particles that travel across the Universe. While these high-energy entities come primarily from distant regions, recent findings circle back to our cosmic neighborhood. The detection of extremely high-energy cosmic-ray electrons and positrons—collectively known as cosmic ray electrons (CRe)—by the H.E.S.S. Observatory in Namibia has provided

Uranus, often overlooked in the vast expanses of our Solar System, stands as a peculiar and intriguing planet. With an axis of rotation that is nearly horizontal to its orbit, this ice giant deviates significantly from the norms set by its planetary siblings. While many planets retain a relatively upright stance, Uranus tilts at an

The ongoing exploration of Mars has yielded a tapestry of evidence suggesting that this now arid planet was once awash with vast oceans and shimmering lakes. As robotic rovers traverse its barren landscape today, they encounter remnants of a time when liquid water sculpted the Martian surface. Determining the precise timeline of this water’s presence

In a bizarre turn of events last month, NASA’s Voyager 1, the most distant human-made object traversing the cosmos, encountered a communication black spot, underscoring the unique challenges of interstellar exploration. On October 16, engineers at NASA attempted to activate a heater aboard the spacecraft, which was a routine procedure. However, instead of responding as