Astronomy and space
Latest developments
How the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will turn the sky into a dataset
Richard de Grijs looks at how the Roman Space Telescope will change astronomy forever
Einstein’s equivalence principle put to two new tests
The theory of general relativity still holds, according to new space-based and laboratory experiments
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Research headlines
Mercury may not need an ancient dynamo to explain its magnetic crust
New analyses of MESSENGER data find that present-day magnetic field can explain most of its crustal magnetism
Magnetism likely played a key role in early solar system formation
Study of inclusions in a primordial meteorite suggests that magnetism must be considered in simulations of planet formation, and may even be the dominant factor
‘Lid’ of asteroid dust smothered and burned the dinosaurs, say scientists
Heat and fire may have caused the mass extinction of Cretaceous creatures
Radiation shielding vest could reduce cancer risk for astronauts on deep space missions
A new personal radiation shielding vest tested during the Artemis I flight could significantly reduce the radiation dose that future astronauts might receive
Betelgeuse is not alone
Orion constellation's red supergiant has a companion star, say astronomers
‘Little red dots’ could herald the birth of supermassive black holes
Did cocoons of dense gas shine brightly in the early universe?
Explore more in astronomy and space
Uncertainty and the random universe: a slide puzzle
Can you reconstruct the astrophysics illustration in our interactive slide puzzle?
Read article: Uncertainty and the random universe: a slide puzzle
Moon’s water reserves insufficient to sustain a lunar city, astronomers find
While energy usage could be met, water would cause some issues
Read article: Moon’s water reserves insufficient to sustain a lunar city, astronomers find
Astronomers discover unusual 10-sided atmospheric wave on Saturn
Astronomers estimate the decagon-shaped wave may still be evolving
Read article: Astronomers discover unusual 10-sided atmospheric wave on Saturn
With e-MERLIN facing the axe, what next for Jodrell Bank and UK astronomy?
Exploring the fallout from STFC funding cuts that have left one of the UK’s most iconic scientific facilities facing an uncertain future
Read article: With e-MERLIN facing the axe, what next for Jodrell Bank and UK astronomy?
The 12 August 2026 partial solar eclipse as seen from the Isle of Wight
Sean G Ryan snaps an astronomical spectacle that captured the public imagination
Read article: The 12 August 2026 partial solar eclipse as seen from the Isle of Wight
Careers at the frontier of space technology
The European Space Agency recruits from all over Europe (and beyond) to further its mission of peacefully exploring and using space for the benefit of everyone
Read article: Careers at the frontier of space technology
Fast radio bursts reveal that the universe’s ‘missing matter’ is found far from galaxies
Counterintuitive finding could help us better understand how highly energetic galactic activities impact the formation of cosmological structures
Read article: Fast radio bursts reveal that the universe’s ‘missing matter’ is found far from galaxies
Has vacuum birefringence been seen at long last?
Polarized X-rays from magnetar could be first direct observation of quantum effect
Read article: Has vacuum birefringence been seen at long last?
Frame-dragging measurement around the Earth sets new precision record
Laser-ranging technique proves Einstein right again
Read article: Frame-dragging measurement around the Earth sets new precision record
New image captures glowing shock waves in the Helix Nebula
Data were taken with the MOTHRA telescope, which is still under construction
Read article: New image captures glowing shock waves in the Helix Nebula
Knowing through uncertainty: probability and the evolution of our cosmos
Chrysi Malouchou Kanellopoulou reviews The Random Universe: How Models and Probability Help us Make Sense of the Cosmos by Andrew H Jaffe
Read article: Knowing through uncertainty: probability and the evolution of our cosmos
Physicists extend Hawking’s black hole laws to dynamical objects
Thermodynamics can describe the mechanics of black holes that change over time
Read article: Physicists extend Hawking’s black hole laws to dynamical objects
Transit-based exoplanet survey finds its first microlensing exoplanet
Additional planetary signals may be hidden in TESS data, say astronomers
Read article: Transit-based exoplanet survey finds its first microlensing exoplanet
Thermal imaging technique helps overcome a major problem for gravitational-wave astronomy
Correcting heat-induced distortions in interferometer mirrors will dramatically increase the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors
Read article: Thermal imaging technique helps overcome a major problem for gravitational-wave astronomy
Astronomers capture highest-resolution image ever of the Sun’s surface
Picture reveals tiny plasma whirlpool-like patterns that have never been seen before
Read article: Astronomers capture highest-resolution image ever of the Sun’s surface
Physicists find unexpected connection between black hole mergers and thermodynamics
Properties of a merger remnant can be predicted using a simple entropy-maximization principle
Read article: Physicists find unexpected connection between black hole mergers and thermodynamics
Bringing physics down to Earth through rocket science
Keith Cooper reviews It’s (Just) Rocket Science: Exploring Physics Through Spaceflight Missions by Trisha Muro
Read article: Bringing physics down to Earth through rocket science
GPS particle detectors track space radiation over two decades
Cross calibration combines data from 25 satellites
Read article: GPS particle detectors track space radiation over two decades
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