Latest science news in Astronomy & Space
SpaceX's returned booster rocket back in hangar
SpaceX's booster rocket, the Falcon, is back in its nest following a historic landing.
Mysterious radio signals from space are much better test of Einstein’s General Relativity
A new way to test one of the basic principles underlying Einstein’s theory of General Relativity using brief blasts of rare radio signals from space called Fast Radio Bursts is...
'Stargazer Lottie' Joins Astronauts Aboard Space Station
The doll was inspired by a real 6-year-old girl's passion for astronomy and space exploration.
Lockheed Martin announces $5.3 billion C-130J contract
Ryan MaassWASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has received a $1 billion contract, worth up to $5.3 billion, to deliver C-130J Super Hercules airlifters to the U.S. Armed Forces.
U.S. Postal Service shows off new 2016 'Star Trek' stamps
Marilyn MalaraWASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The United States Postal Service has released the designs of 2016's postage stamps, including artwork commemorating 'Star Trek' and new photos of Pluto.
Arctic heat wave brings puddles to the North Pole
Brooks HaysWASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday breached 32 degrees at the North Pole -- 50 degrees higher than historical late-December averages.
Japanese research team earns right to name Element 113
Brooks HaysWAKO, Japan, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, or IUPAP, determined the research team from RIKEN in Japan discovered Element 113.
UPI Almanac for Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
By United Press International On Dec. 31, 1994, Russian forces launched a full air and ground attack on Grozny, the capital city of the rebel republic of Chechnya.
Friend of accused San Bernardino shooter indicted for conspiracy
Doug G. WareSAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Enrique Marquez, the man who officials say conspired with San Bernardino shooting suspect Syed Farook to plot other attacks, was indicted...
Comet Catalina, Quadrantid Meteors and More In Jan. 2016 Skywatching | Video
In the middle of the month, Comet Catalina will be visible in the vicinity of the Big Dipper. The Quadrantid meteor shower will peak on Jan 3rd-4th. Several other skywatching...
NASA analyzes Paraguay's heavy rainfall
Widespread flooding has recently affected South America and Paraguay has been especially hard hit. A NASA analysis showed locations in central and southern Paraguay that received the largest rainfall totals...
NOAA satellite spots birth of cyclone in South Pacific
Brooks HaysPAGO PAGO, American Samoa, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- As NOAA's GOES-West satellite orbited atop the South Pacific, it captured an image of the early stages of Tropical Storm Ula.
Dodgers sign LHP Scott Kazmir for three years
The Sports Xchange Free agent left-hander Scott Kazmir signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team reported on Wednesday.
New York firefighter proposes to teacher during school visit
Daniel UriaNEW YORK, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Video of a New York firefighter's proposal to his teacher girlfriend has gone viral.
NYPD honors detective, Air National Guard soldier killed in Afghanistan
Doug G. WareNEW YORK, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Dozens of New York police officers, including the NYPD commissioner, on Wednesday honored a detective and soldier killed in Afghanistan last week.
Spending Bill To Accelerate NASA Habitation Module Work
Congress directed NASA in the final 2016 spending bill to accelerate work on a habitation module that could be used for future deep space missions.
Massive Planets May Punch Puzzling Holes in Planetary Nurseries
What causes holes to appear in the middle of some planetary nurseries? New high-definition observations suggest the holes may be created by Jupiter-class planets orbiting the parent star.
Aurora borealis could illuminate New Year's Eve sky across Canada
A recent strong solar storm is expected to give Canadians across the country a special New Year’s Eve northern lights show.
Man falls through ice attempting to retrieve drone
Daniel UriaLITTLETON , Mass., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Massachusetts firefighters discovered a drone in a pond after responding to a call about a person falling through the ice.
Sarah McLachlan: making infamous ASPCA ad was 'brutal'
Marilyn MalaraWASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Sarah McLachlan revealed she can't bear to watch her infamous ASPCA commercials.
Declassified: US Military's Secret Cold War Space Project Revealed
More than 20,000 newly released documents reveal intriguing details about the U.S. Air Force's MOL program, which ran from December 1963 until its cancellation in June 1969.
Talking with Pioneering Planet Hunter, 20 Years After Groundbreaking Find
Twenty years ago, Michel Mayor helped discover the first planet orbiting a sunlike star outside Earth's solar system. Space.com talked to Mayor about where the field of exoplanet hunting has...
Yolanda Foster shares ski trip photo with family sans ex David Foster
Marilyn MalaraASPEN, Colo., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Yolanda Foster and her three children took to the slopes during a ski trip in Colorado this week.
South Korean soldier found dead in DMZ
Elizabeth ShimSEOUL, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A South Korean soldier stationed at the Korean demilitarized zone was found dead early Wednesday.
January 2016 Skywatching: Orange Giant Star, Planets and More | Video
The 'eye' of the Taurus (the bull) constellation is K5 giant star Aldeberan and it's 35-40 times the diameter of the Sun. Jupiter rises above the horizon late in the...
Chicago mayor to announce changes to police training, equipment
Amy R. ConnollyCHICAGO, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to announce changes to police training procedures, including equipping officers with Tasers.
LeBron James leads Cleveland Cavaliers over Denver Nuggets
By Michael Kelly, The Sports Xchange DENVER -- LeBron James said he doesn't hit his stride until after the All-Star break, but he looked like he was in late-season form...
Gina Rodriguez delivers heartfelt tribute to Rita Moreno
Wade SheridanWASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Gina Rodriguez was able to give thanks and pay tribute to her idol, Puerto Rican actress and singer Rita Moreno, during the 38th annual...