How to catch a supernova explosion before it happens – and what we can learn from it

Just like volcanologists monitor volcano activity to predict eruptions, astronomers can monitor stars to predict explosions.

Seán Brennan, Postdoctoral Reseracher in the Supernova and Explosive Transient Group, Stockholm University • conversation
Dec. 12, 2024 • ~7 min

We’ve found an answer to the puzzle of how the largest galaxies formed

Elliptical galaxies have long provided a headache for astronomers.

Annagrazia Puglisi, Anniversary Fellow of Astrophysics, University of Southampton • conversation
Dec. 11, 2024 • ~6 min

What is the universe expanding into if it’s already infinite?

The universe is constantly expanding, but how do scientists think about what it’s expanding into?

Nicole Granucci, Instructor of Physics, Quinnipiac University • conversation
Dec. 9, 2024 • ~8 min

Some black holes at the centers of galaxies have a buddy − but detecting these binary pairs isn’t easy

Most objects in the universe have been around for way longer than modern astronomy – digging into historical records can help scientists shed light on a cosmic mystery.

Jonathan Zrake, Assistant Professor of Physics, Clemson University • conversation
Dec. 5, 2024 • ~9 min

It’s 100 years since we learned the Milky Way is not the only galaxy

In 1924, astronomer Edwin Hubble realised two objects were too distant to be inside our galaxy.

Jeffrey Grube, Senior Lecturer in Physics Education, King's College London • conversation
Nov. 20, 2024 • ~8 min

A distant planet seems to have a sulphur-rich atmosphere, hinting at alien volcanoes

Astronomers have detected possible signs of gases released by volcanic activity.

Agnibha Banerjee, PhD Student, The Open University • conversation
Nov. 11, 2024 • ~6 min

Carl Sagan’s scientific legacy extends far beyond ‘Cosmos’

On what would’ve been the astronomer’s 90th trip around the Sun, here’s a look at his legacy as a scientist, advocate and communicator.

Jean-Luc Margot, Professor of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
Nov. 5, 2024 • ~8 min

A new generation of telescopes will probe the ‘unknown unknowns’ that could transform our knowledge of the universe

Cosmology could be transformed by a new wave of telescopes – both on the ground and in space.

Richard Massey, Professor of extragalactic astrophysics (dark matter and cosmology), Durham University • conversation
Oct. 17, 2024 • ~12 min

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a Halloween visitor from the spooky Oort Cloud − the invisible bubble that’s home to countless space objects

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is one of 2 comets from the Oort Cloud passing by Earth in October 2024.

James Wray, Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Oct. 11, 2024 • ~9 min

NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the 2030s − a crewed mission could unlock some of the red planet’s geologic mysteries

Before sending humans to Mars, NASA will first return humans to the Moon’s surface to test its technology and train astronauts.

Joel S. Levine, Research Professor, Department of Applied Science, William & Mary • conversation
Oct. 7, 2024 • ~7 min

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