All Stories by Ron Cowen
- Space
Changing one of nature’s constants
A controversial new study suggests that an immutable value that governs the strength of the electromagnetic force varies along different directions.
- Space
Still no Earths, but getting closer
Two newly discovered planetary systems shed light on the likelihood of producing terrestrial planets.
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- Astronomy
Celestial wish list
A panel of astronomers ranks proposed astrophysics projects for the coming decade.
- Space
Twinkle, twinkle, little dot
A faint object was once thought to be the first extrasolar planet to be photographed. Then it wasn’t. But now it may go down in the history books after all.
- Space
Dark matter eldorado
Astronomers have discovered that a nearby galaxy has the highest density of dark matter of any galaxy known.
- Particle Physics
New data suggest a lighter Higgs
Fermilab results heat up the race for an elusive particle.
- Astronomy
Heftiest stars discovered
At more than 200 times sun’s mass, this giant sets a new record.
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Among stars, heavyweight champ
Stellar record-holder weighs in at 265 times mass of sun.
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A violent tail
The MESSENGER spacecraft finds powerful magnetic storms on Mercury, along with signs of surprisingly recent volcanic activity.
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Neutrino experiments sow seeds of possible revolution
Recent results from two experiments that examine the behavior of neutrinos and anti-neutrinos hint at the possibility of a revolution in particle physics.
- Space
Wet past for Red Planet
An ocean blanketed one-third of Mars about 3.5 billion years ago, a new study suggests.
