Latest science news in Astronomy & Space
Rocket Launches Secret Spy Satellite for US Military
The Delta 4 rocket launched the new NROL-25 spy satellite into orbit.
Strange Gamma-Ray Objects in Deep Space Perplex Scientists
Astronomers aren't sure what is causing these unidentified gamma-ray emissions in space.
Rare Venus Transit of Sun Occurs in June: Skywatching Travel Tips
It's the last chance to see a Venus transit until 2117.
Finding shapes in clouds
Anyone can cloud spot. There's even a society dedicated to doing just that – and they have come up with some amazing images, says Gavin Pretor-Pinney
Another view on Going Dark
This drama about an astronomer going blind isn't as contrived as some may believe, and could even teach the experts something, says the Royal Observatory's Colin StuartI can't fault this excellent play on...
FEATURE: Perched with the parrots
The eclectus parrots of Cape York Peninsula have an unusual and gruesome habit, writes Leanne O'Rourkes.
First evidence for string theory at the Large Hadron Collider | Jon Butterworth | Life & Physics
A bug in the software used to model the detectors at the Large Hadron Collider could have been covering up evidence for extra space time dimensions.Complex software models are used to understand the...
NASA budget might have less space for JPL's planetary science
President Obama's $17.7-billion budget request for NASA for the 2013 fiscal year includes a $300-million cut to planetary science, the very work JPL specializes in. It's a dark development in...
Right Under Our Eyes: Nibiru On It's Way?
Ridicule might delay truth but it can't replace it. In recent weeks astonishing rumors have been spreading fast in science circles, and soon the wider public will be in the...
Zip-lining adventures are sprouting up
If you're looking for some thrills high above the ground, check zip-line tours visited annually by an accredited inspector.The reality of the height and speed at which I was traveling...
Try This! Homemade moisturizer
It's cooking class this week at Try This — for skin cream. If mixing your own cosmetics sounds like fun, here's a recipe we think is worth the effort.
Spinning stars could guide spacecraft
MANCHESTER, England, March 30 (UPI) -- Spacecraft may one day navigate in space by using X-ray signals from rotating pulsars as a sort of cosmic GPS, German researchers say.
Richard Branson headed to 'center of Earth'
British billionaire Richard Branson may have lost his race to the bottom of the ocean, but not his sense of humor, declaring Friday a faux plan to top his adventure...
Spaceman-Turned-Politician Can Call Himself 'Astronaut' on Ballot
Former space shuttle astronaut Jose Hernandez is running for the U.S. Congress out of California.
The Most Amazing Science Images of the Week, March 26-30, 2012
Shuttle Island This shot is so great! Look at the shuttle, it looks like that island. [Chet-Apichet via Gizmodo] NASA A well-rounded lineup of amazing imagery for you guys this week:...
Hunting Black Holes With Hard X-Rays - NASA's NuSTAR Mission | Video
Due to launch in the Spring of 2012, NASA's NuSTAR mission will scan for lively black holes, radioactive supernova remnants, galactic jets that shoot out at nearly light-speed and other...
Space Pictures of the Week: "UFO Galaxy," Triple Sunset, More
Three suns set over a super-Earth, stars shine in UFO and yuletide formations, and more in the week's best space pictures.
Mystifying Space Cats Photo-Bomb Hubble Imagery | Video
April Fools! In a response to critics who believe NASA is photoshopping their content, here's a comical take on an Astronomical Image Enhancement Engineer whose main job is to remove...
Bright New Comet Promises Skywatching Treat in 2013
In less than a year, comet PANSTARRS promises to light up the northern spring sky.
Simulations unravel mysteries of 2009 Jupiter impact
(PhysOrg.com) -- During July of 1994, both amateur and professional astronomers were captivated as comet Shoemaker/Levy 9 broke apart and slammed into the atmosphere of Jupiter. While these types of...
Venus and Pleiades Star Cluster Shine in Celestial Show Tuesday
Venus and the Pleiades star cluster will perform a cosmic sister act on April 3.
Radioactive Iodine from Fukushima Found in California Kelp
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Kelp off Southern California was contaminated with short-lived radioisotopes a month after Japan’s Fukushima accident, a sign that the spilled radiation reached the state’s urban coastline,...
Must-See Skywatching Events for April 2012
Skywatchers can look forward to seeing the Lyrid meteor shower and Venus at its brightest in April 2012.
Observing the galaxy distribution when the universe was half its current age
Astronomers have completed the most accurate measurement yet of the distribution of galaxies between five and six billion years ago. This was the key 'pivot' moment at which the expansion...
NASA fires up rocket sled hardware at China Lake
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA recently performed a trial run on a rocket sled test fixture, powered by rockets, to replicate the forces a supersonic spacecraft would experience prior to landing.
Recycling galaxies caught in the act
(PhysOrg.com) -- When astronomers add up all the gas and dust contained in ordinary galaxies like our own Milky Way, they stumble on a puzzle: There is not nearly enough...
North Korea missile launches raise tensions
• Satellite images show preparations for long-range launch• Japan puts self-defence forces on standby to intercept rocket• South says two short-range missiles launched on WednesdayNorth Korea's test-launch of two short-range missiles this week...
Flowing Water on Mars? Strange Red Planet Features Stir Debate
Experts are divided over features on Mars called Recurring Slope Lineae