Astronomy, astrophysics & cosmology

Latest articles

Castles in the air Jan 5, 2009

For decades physicists have sought ways to harness and control the most pervasive force in nature. Sidney Perkowitz recounts the quest for antigravity

Shock and awe Jan 5, 2009

Artificial and natural shock waves can cause incredible damage and havoc, so a better understanding of the physics could save lives — or even the entire planet. Neil Bourne describes the common thread connecting antiterrorism measures, desk toys and the extinction of the dinosaurs

Reasons to be cheerful Jan 5, 2009 1 comment

The economy may be in a nosedive but there is plenty to look forward to in science this year

Let the global astronomy celebrations begin Jan 5, 2009

The International Year of Astronomy marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. As the 2009 celebrations kick off, Edwin Cartlidge explains how one of Galileo’s telescopes is being rebuilt by researchers in Italy, while Michael Banks looks at some of the events taking place this year

Spinning drops could model black holes Dec 11, 2008 1 comment

Water droplets take on strange shapes when levitated and spun

Water confirmed on distant planet Dec 10, 2008 1 comment

Exoplanet puzzle seems to be solved

Europe plans future research facilities Dec 9, 2008

New roadmap focuses on environmental sciences

Cosmic-ray mystery deepens Dec 9, 2008 3 comments

High-energy hotspots puzzle cosmologists

'Echoes' shine a light on Tycho Brahe's supernova Dec 3, 2008

New light from old supernova tells us how it exploded

Is a new force at work in the dark sector? Dec 1, 2008 5 comments

New theory tries to explain latest dark-matter search results

Hawking accepts post in Canada Nov 27, 2008 5 comments

Cosmologist is first of up to 40 new chairs at Perimeter Institute

Europe unveils 20-year astronomy roadmap Nov 26, 2008

Funding must rise by 20% per year to meet ambitious goals

Excess of electrons could point to dark matter Nov 20, 2008 2 comments

Are WIMPs annihilating nearby?

First 'bona fide' direct images of exoplanets Nov 13, 2008 1 comment

Hubble, Gemini and Keck spot four new planets outside our solar system

Magnetic shield could protect spacecraft Nov 6, 2008 10 comments

Fusion science shows feasibility of protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation