How was the Earth built?

The Earth started as a mixture of gas and dust around the Sun and grew as it collided with asteroids and dust particles.

Alexander E. Gates, Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, Rutgers University - Newark • conversation
May 5, 2025 • ~6 min

Scientists found a potential sign of life on a distant planet – an astronomer explains why many are still skeptical

The exoplanet K2-18b could harbor a massive ocean, but scientists will need to study the planet more to see if it’s really likely to host life.

Daniel Apai, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona • conversation
April 18, 2025 • ~9 min

Mysterious objects from other stars are passing through our solar system. Scientists are planning missions to study them up close

Learning about these interstellar objects could give us insights into other star systems.

Theodora Ogden, Senior Analyst, Defence and Security Team, RAND Europe • conversation
April 15, 2025 • ~9 min

Jets from powerful black holes can point astronomers toward where − and where not − to look for life in the universe

Whether a galactic environment has the right conditions for habitable planets to form could depend on how the black hole in that galaxy is rotating.

David Garofalo, Professor of Physics, Kennesaw State University • conversation
March 31, 2025 • ~7 min

What was the first thing scientists discovered? A historian makes the case for Babylonian astronomy

Science uses careful, organized observations and tests to construct theories that are recorded, passed on to others and built on.

James Byrne, Assistant Teaching Professor in the Herbst Program for Engineering, Ethics & Society, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 17, 2025 • ~8 min

Four small planets discovered around one of the closest stars to Earth – an expert explains what we know

The small worlds were particularly challenging to discover.

Coel Hellier, Professor of Astrophysics, Keele University • conversation
March 14, 2025 • ~6 min

One large Milky Way galaxy or many galaxies? 100 years ago, a young Edwin Hubble settled astronomy’s ‘Great Debate’

Hubble’s work pushed the field of astronomy forward, starting with his paper demonstrating that some objects exist outside our galaxy.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Jan. 24, 2025 • ~10 min

From new commercial Moon landers to asteroid investigations, expect a slate of exciting space missions in 2025

From exploring the Moon to revealing mysteries of the solar system, space agencies around the world are gearing up for an exciting year of launches and flybys.

Zhenbo Wang, Associate Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Dec. 26, 2024 • ~11 min

In Disney’s ‘Moana,’ the characters navigate using the stars, just like real Polynesian explorers − an astronomer explains how these methods work

Disney’s ‘Moana’ movies have brought a new level of excitement for astronomy and wayfinding, says an astronomer who regularly hosts planetarium shows.

Christopher Palma, Teaching Professor, Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Penn State • conversation
Dec. 20, 2024 • ~7 min

How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up?

The International Space Station is an engineering feat that has led to countless scientific discoveries. Like the thousands of satellites in orbit, it manages to stay up in the atmosphere.

Kelly Griendling, Lecturer of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Dec. 16, 2024 • ~8 min

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