Black holes are mysterious, yet also deceptively simple − a new space mission may help physicists answer hairy questions about these astronomical objects

Studying theoretical, fast-spinning black holes is helping physicists understand more about the elusive black holes out in the universe.

Gaurav Khanna, Professor of Physics, University of Rhode Island • conversation
May 15, 2024 • ~7 min

Exoplanet WASP-69b has a cometlike tail – this unique feature is helping scientists like me learn more about how planets evolve

Research on one exoplanet that’s rapidly losing its atmosphere is hinting to scientists why exoplanets tend to look a certain way.

Dakotah Tyler, Ph.D. Candidate in Astrophysics, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
May 8, 2024 • ~9 min

The ancient Egyptian goddess of the sky and how I used modern astronomy to explore her link with the Milky Way

A new study shines light on the link between the Milky Way and the ancient Egyptian sky goddess Nut

Or Graur, Associate Professor of Astrophysics, University of Portsmouth • conversation
May 3, 2024 • ~6 min

The Mars Sample Return mission has a shaky future, and NASA is calling on private companies for backup

It’s not easy to collect rocks on a budget when the rocks are 140 million miles away.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
April 25, 2024 • ~9 min

Saturn’s ocean moon Enceladus is able to support life − my research team is working out how to detect extraterrestrial cells there

Saturn’s moon Enceladus has geysers shooting tiny grains of ice into space. These grains could hold traces of life − but researchers need the right tools to tell.

Fabian Klenner, Postdoctoral Scholar in Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
April 17, 2024 • ~8 min

Exploding stars send out powerful bursts of energy − I’m leading a citizen scientist project to classify and learn about these bright flashes

Where specialized algorithms fail to classify star-borne pulses, human volunteers with just a little training can step in.

Amy Lien, Assistant Professor of Physics, University of Tampa • conversation
April 16, 2024 • ~7 min

Could a telescope ever see the beginning of time? An astronomer explains

Now out in space for more than two years, the James Webb Space Telescope is a stunningly sophisticated instrument.

Adi Foord, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
April 8, 2024 • ~9 min

Eclipses aren’t just visual spectacles, they are at the heart of scientific efforts to understand distant planets

A type of eclipse is crucial for measuring what’s in the atmospheres of planets orbiting distant stars.

Oisin Creaner, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University • conversation
April 8, 2024 • ~6 min

During the 2024 eclipse, biologists like us want to find out how birds will respond to darkness in the middle of the day

Since an eclipse only lasts a few minutes, you need more than just a handful of scientists running around collecting data on bird activity. That’s where a new app comes in.

Liz Aguilar, Ph.D. Student in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Indiana University • conversation
April 4, 2024 • ~8 min

Exploding stars are rare but emit torrents of radiation − if one happened close enough to Earth, it could threaten life on the planet

Some ancient texts record what were likely dying stars, faintly visible from Earth. If close enough, these events can disturb telescopes and even damage the ozone layer.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
March 29, 2024 • ~9 min

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