How can the James Webb Space Telescope see so far?

The James Webb Space Telescope has 2 powerful instruments that see light the human eye can’t.

Adi Foord, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~9 min

Could the first images from the Vera Rubin telescope change how we view space for good?

The new observatory can take very high resolution images of distant objects in space.

Dr Phil Wiseman, Research Fellow, Astronomy, University of Southampton • conversation
June 27, 2025 • ~7 min

How do scientists calculate the probability that an asteroid could hit Earth?

Keeping Earth safe from asteroids isn’t just spotting them – it’s also helping people understand what a high-impact probability with Earth means.

Toshi Hirabayashi, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
June 25, 2025 • ~6 min

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

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

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

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

A new observatory is assembling the most complete time-lapse record of the night sky ever

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory will capture enough detail to see a golf ball from 25km away.

Noelia Noël, Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey • conversation
June 5, 2025 • ~6 min

New model helps to figure out which distant planets may host life

As NASA rolls out more powerful telescopes in the future, scientists will need a way to determine where to point them. A new approach could help.

Daniel Apai, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona • conversation
June 2, 2025 • ~11 min

Do photons wear out? An astrophysicist explains light’s ability to travel vast cosmic distances without losing energy

The speed of light is the fastest anything can travel. What happens to a photon from a galaxy 25 million light years away on its journey toward Earth?

Jarred Roberts, Project Scientist, University of California, San Diego • conversation
May 20, 2025 • ~6 min

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