The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will help astronomers investigate dark matter, continuing the legacy of its pioneering namesake

Vera C. Rubin’s research into stars in galaxies led to the modern understanding of dark matter.

Samantha Thompson, Astronomy Curator, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
June 24, 2025 ~9 min

How do atoms form? A physicist explains where the atoms that make up everything around come from

Almost everything on Earth is made up of atoms, but where do these fundamental building blocks come from?

Stephen L. Levy, Associate Professor of Physics and Applied Physics and Astronomy, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
June 23, 2025 ~8 min


Astronomy has a major data problem – simulating realistic images of the sky can help train algorithms

To make a truly realistic fake picture of a galaxy, you can model exactly how light particles travel through the atmosphere and telescope to reach its sensor.

John Peterson, Assoc. Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Purdue University • conversation
June 23, 2025 ~9 min

Shining light on scientific superstar

Vera Rubin, whose dark-matter discoveries changed astronomy and physics, gets her due with namesake observatory, commemorative quarter

Harvard Gazette • harvard
June 20, 2025 ~6 min

Is Mars really red? A physicist explains the planet’s reddish hue and why it looks different to some telescopes

Mars isn’t a bright, fire-engine red, but the iron oxide in its rocks makes it appear redder than other planets, especially from afar.

David Joffe, Associate Professor of Physics, Kennesaw State University • conversation
June 16, 2025 ~7 min

Living on Mars: are there lessons from prisons?

From confinement to food, lessons learned behind bars could be key to surviving on the red planet.

Lucy Berthoud, Professor of Space Systems Engineering, University of Bristol • conversation
June 13, 2025 ~8 min

Living on Mars: are there lessons from the terrible conditions of prisons?

From confinement to food, lessons learned behind bars could be key to surviving on the red planet.

Lucy Berthoud, Professor of Space Systems Engineering, University of Bristol • conversation
June 13, 2025 ~8 min

Still waiting

75 years after Fermi’s paradox, are we any closer to finding extraterrestrial life?

Harvard Gazette • harvard
June 10, 2025 ~6 min


Where is the center of the universe?

As the universe expands, it feels like it must be spreading out from some initial point. But a physicist explains why that’s not how it works. Hint: space-time is involved.

Rob Coyne, Teaching Professor of Physics, University of Rhode Island • conversation
June 10, 2025 ~8 min

Early visions of Mars: Meet the 19th-century astronomer who used science fiction to imagine the red planet

In the 19th century, astronomers could see Mars through telescopes, but not clearly. Some used their imaginations to fill in what the blurry images couldn’t convey.

Matthew Shindell, Curator, Planetary Science and Exploration, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
June 6, 2025 ~9 min

/

134