Nadia Drake

Former science writing intern and astronomy writer

All Stories by Nadia Drake

  1. Space

    The Newtonian physics (or not) of Angry Birds Space

    Experts weigh in on the basic principles featured in the game’s universe.

  2. Chemistry

    Life’s building blocks grow close to home

    Chemical reactions in the early solar system create complex organic molecules.

  3. Space

    Vesta seems more planet than asteroid

    Spacecraft explorations reveal a layered, beat-up celestial body.

  4. Space

    Smallest planet yields big surprises

    Spacecraft images reveal Mercury has a complicated inside and an active geologic past.

  5. Humans

    Proposed cuts in planetary science take center stage

    NASA officials endure slings and arrows of outraged researchers.

  6. Space

    Titan’s haze is dropping

    Change in elevation of cloudy layer suggests seasonal cycles on Saturn’s moon.

  7. Space

    Ancient impact may explain moon’s magnetic mystery

    Anomalies near crater suggest scattering of iron-rich debris.

  8. Space

    Galactic smashup leaves dark matter debris

    Find in ‘train wreck’ cluster forces astronomers to re-think theories about relationship between mysterious dark matter and galaxies.

  9. Physics

    Water not so squishy under pressure

    In planets' cores, molecules may not compress tightly.

  10. Space

    Aura of life captured in Earthshine

    Light from Earth reflected off the moon contains the kind of information that could prove useful in the characterization of faraway exoplanets.

  11. Astronomy

    Distant planet an exotic water-world

    Orb is unlike anything in the solar system.

  12. Archaeology

    Archaeoacoustics: Tantalizing, but fantastical

    While compelling, findings lack scientific rigor.