Astronomy

Astronomy

Clues left at a galactic hit-and-run

Scientists may have discovered a dwarf galaxy that triggered a “galaxy quake” when it buzzed by the Milky Way a few hundred million years ago.

Astronomy

Red giants map how the Milky Way grew

A new catalog of the ages of our galaxy’s stars confirms that the Milky Way grew from the inside out.

Astronomy

Newfound gas cloud may be graveyard of first stars

A 12-billion-year-old gas cloud, rich in hydrogen and helium but nothing else, may house the remains of the universe’s first stars.

Astronomy

To search for an advanced civilization, take a U-turn to star clusters

Globular star clusters might be safe, stable homes for long-lived advanced civilizations.

Astronomy

This black hole is an extreme recycler

A cosmic pump powered by a supermassive black hole is recycling gas through a galaxy.

Astronomy

Black hole burps up gobbled gas and dust

Two belches from a supermassive black hole are drifting away from another galaxy.

Astronomy

Supernova captured in quadruple comes back for an encore

A supernova that has already appeared four times is back for an encore.

Astronomy

‘Bones’ in Milky Way could help map galactic structure

Six newly discovered tendrils of interstellar gas might be “bones” of the Milky Way that could help researchers understand the scaffolding of our galaxy.

Astronomy

This white dwarf is hotter than the rest

A new record holder for hottest white dwarf sizzles at about 250,000˚ Celsius.

Astronomy

Astronomical milestones of 2015

The New Horizons mission to Pluto was the No. 1 science story of the year. Here some other notable space missions.

Science & Society

Science puzzles no longer so puzzling

This year, researchers solved the riddle of mysterious radio bursts, the Erdös discrepancy problem and an elusive acid.

Astronomy

Equipment failure pushes back Mars lander mission

The launch of the Mars InSight lander is suspended until at least 2018 because of a faulty seismometer.