A new ‘guest star’ will appear in the sky in 2024 − a space scientist explains how nova events work and where to look

Your favorite TV show isn’t the only place where guest stars might appear. Keep an eye on the sky for the second half of 2024 and you might be able to witness a rare astronomical event.

Vahe Peroomian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
Aug. 1, 2024 • ~8 min

Nasa’s science mission spacecraft are at risk from hackers, but a new law could help protect them

New US legislation could force Nasa to include enhanced cybersecurity for all its spacecraft.

Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Senior Teaching Fellow in Space and Cyber, Hunter Centre For Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde • conversation
July 23, 2024 • ~5 min

Astronomers spot a highly “eccentric” planet on its way to becoming a hot Jupiter

The planet’s wild orbit offers clues to how such large, hot planets take shape.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
July 17, 2024 • ~9 min

Astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station after yet more problems with Boeing’s beleaguered Starliner

The spacecraft’s return has been delayed while experts study helium leaks and thruster problems.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 15, 2024 • ~6 min

Could people turn Mars into another Earth? Here’s what it would take to transform its barren landscape into a life-friendly world

Liquid water, breathable air and a sustainable food supply are three of the essentials Mars would need for people to live comfortably there.

Sven Bilén, Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, Penn State • conversation
July 15, 2024 • ~9 min

Astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station after yet more problems with Boeing’s beleagured Starliner

The spacecraft’s return has been delayed while experts study helium leaks and thruster problems.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 15, 2024 • ~6 min

Meteorites from Mars help scientists understand the red planet’s interior

These rare rocks come in a few different types, which can tell geologists about Mars’ volcanic past and hint at its potential habitability.

James Day, Professor of Geosciences, University of California, San Diego • conversation
July 12, 2024 • ~8 min

Supermassive black holes have masses of more than a million suns – but their growth has slowed as the universe has aged

X-rays emitted around black holes can tell astrophysicists about how fast they’re growing.

W. Niel Brandt, Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Penn State • conversation
July 12, 2024 • ~6 min

How astronomers work out the size of the Solar System

Magnetism and gravity both shape the boundaries of our cosmic neighbourhood.

Gareth Dorrian, Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Space Science, University of Birmingham • conversation
July 11, 2024 • ~6 min

Bennu asteroid holds our solar system’s original ingredients

A deep dive into the sample of rocks and dust returned from near-Earth asteroid Bennu reveals some long-awaited surprises.

Mikayla Mace-Arizona • futurity
July 9, 2024 • ~8 min

/

119