Astronomy.com

The mission will use all three of the spacecraft's instruments to scrutinize Comet Hartley 2 for more than 2 months.

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.

An eruption sends out fumes and various gases, so volcanic activity on a rocky exoplanet might leave a telltale atmospheric signature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Near-Earth objects seem to be more varied in color and composition than previously thought.

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.

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.

NGC 4666's vigorous star formation is probably the result of gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies.

Despite the cancellation of the Constellation program, there is still a strong chance that the booster could play a part in future launch vehicles.

The data indicate that young gas-giant planets are extremely cloudy.

The non-toxic oxygen and methane propellant combination has the potential for greater engine performance.

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.

A new image shows the elliptical depression with unprecedented clarity.

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.

Systems with multiple transiting planets are particularly rich with information that provides clues as to their physical characteristics.

The Rosette Nebula is a huge star-forming region in our Milky Way Galaxy.