How do astronomers know the age of the planets and stars?

Measuring the ages of planets and stars is tricky. An observational astrophysicist describes the subtle clues that provide good estimates for how old different space objects are.

Adam Burgasser, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Oct. 2, 2023 • ~6 min

A large solar storm could knock out the power grid and the internet – an electrical engineer explains how

Every few centuries the sun blasts the Earth with a huge amount of high-energy particles. If it were to happen today, it would wreak havoc on technology.

David Wallace, Assistant Clinical Professor of Electrical Engineering, Mississippi State University • conversation
March 18, 2022 • ~9 min

Solar storms can destroy satellites with ease – a space weather expert explains the science

Space weather can affect satellites in a number of different ways, from frying electronics to increasing drag in the atmosphere.

Piyush Mehta, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University • conversation
March 2, 2022 • ~10 min

Massive flare seen on the closest star to the solar system: What it means for chances of alien neighbors

Astronomers just measured the largest flare ever from Proxima Centauri, humanity's closest neighboring star. These flares could be bad news for life trying to develop on a planet orbiting the star.

R. O. Parke Loyd, Post-Doctoral Researcher in Astrophysics, Arizona State University • conversation
May 3, 2021 • ~6 min

Why we need to get better at predicting space weather

Satellites, space stations and astronauts, aviation, GPS, power grids and more can be affected.

Rami Qahwaji, Professor of Visual Computing, University of Bradford • conversation
March 29, 2021 • ~7 min

The Sun: study shows it's less active than sibling stars – here's what that could mean

Has the Sun entered a stage of old age?

Andrew Norton, Professor of Astrophysics Education, The Open University • conversation
April 30, 2020 • ~6 min

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