Astronomy.com
Deep Impact spacecraft eyes comet target
The mission will use all three of the spacecraft's instruments to scrutinize Comet Hartley 2 for more than 2 months.
NGC 300: A nearby galactic exemplar
The galaxy's surprisingly normal structure makes it an ideal specimen for astronomers studying the structure and content of spiral galaxies such as our own Milky Way.
Astronomers say it's possible to spot volcanoes on alien worlds
An eruption sends out fumes and various gases, so volcanic activity on a rocky exoplanet might leave a telltale atmospheric signature.
Galactic tendrils shed light on evolution of spiral galaxies
For the first time, a new survey has detected the telltale structures of spiral galaxies swallowing smaller dwarf companions in star cities more distant than our immediate galactic neighborhood, opening up the possibility of testing our current views of galaxy evolution in a new way.
Two asteroids pass by Earth Wednesday
An asteroid designated 2010 RF12 is expected to pass within approximately 49,000 miles of Earth at 5:12 p.m. EDT. Another asteroid, 2010 RX30, passed within approximately 154,000 miles overnight. Neither is a threat to Earth.
Fundamental constant might change across space
Research results currently under peer review imply that the fine-structure constant, which characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic force, might have different values depending on which direction scientists are looking in the sky.
Missing piece inspires new look at Mars puzzle
New experiments suggest that chlorine compounds from NASA's Viking landers then thought to be contaminants from cleaning fluids might indeed have contained carbon-based chemicals, the building blocks of life.
New Hubble observations of Supernova 1987A reveal composition of "star guts" pouring out
The new observations of the "String of Pearls" surrounding the remnant tell scientists not only what elements are being recycled into the Large Magellanic Cloud, but also how the dwarf galaxy changes its environment on human timescales.
Spitzer finds a flavorful mix of asteroids
Near-Earth objects seem to be more varied in color and composition than previously thought.
NASA selects investigations for first mission to encounter the Sun
The Solar Probe Plus will plunge directly into the Sun's atmosphere to learn why it's so much hotter than our star's visible surface and what propels the solar wind.
Recipe for water: just add starlight
Observations with the Herschel infrared space observatory have revealed that ultraviolet light is a key ingredient in the formation of an unexpected cloud of water vapor around an old red giant star.
ESO brings starburst galaxy into focus
NGC 4666's vigorous star formation is probably the result of gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.
NASA and ATK successfully test five-segment solid rocket motor
Despite the cancellation of the Constellation program, there is still a strong chance that the booster could play a part in future launch vehicles.
Spectrum of young extrasolar planet yields surprising results
The data indicate that young gas-giant planets are extremely cloudy.
NASA Glenn tests alternative green rocket engine
The non-toxic oxygen and methane propellant combination has the potential for greater engine performance.
Shrinking atmospheric layer linked to low levels of solar radiation
Research indicates that the Sun's magnetic cycle, which produces differing numbers of sunspots over an approximately 11-year cycle, may vary more than previously thought.
Mars' mysterious elongated crater
A new image shows the elliptical depression with unprecedented clarity.
Distant star's sound waves reveal cycle similar to the Sun's
Studying many stars with stellar seismology could help scientists better understand how magnetic activity cycles can differ from star to star, as well as the processes behind such cycles.
NASA's Kepler mission discovers two planets transiting same star
Systems with multiple transiting planets are particularly rich with information that provides clues as to their physical characteristics.
WISE captures the Unicorn's Rose
The Rosette Nebula is a huge star-forming region in our Milky Way Galaxy.