NASA’s mission to an ice-covered moon will contain a message between water worlds

Europa Clipper will contain a plaque that celebrates humanity’s relationship with water and a decades-old tradition of searching for life outside Earth.

Douglas Vakoch, President, METI International; Professor Emeritus, California Institute of Integral Studies • conversation
March 28, 2024 ~8 min

The total solar eclipse in North America could help shed light on a persistent puzzle about the Sun

The eclipse will allow scientists to get rare measurements of the Sun’s atmosphere.

Huw Morgan, Reader in Physical Sciences, Aberystwyth University • conversation
March 27, 2024 ~7 min


Stellar murder: when stars destroy and eat their own planets

There are several ways in which stars can destroy and swallow their own planets.

Or Graur, Associate Professor of Astrophysics, University of Portsmouth • conversation
March 22, 2024 ~6 min

An eclipse for everyone – how visually impaired students can ‘get a feel for’ eclipses

Eclipses are rare, fantastic celestial events. Here’s how educators can help visually impaired students enjoy eclipses alongside their sighted peers.

David Hurd, Professor of Geosciences, Pennsylvania Western University • conversation
March 22, 2024 ~7 min

How a balloon-borne experiment can do the job of the Hubble space telescope

Giant helium balloons are a cheap, more environmentally friendly alternative to rocket launches – and you get the satellite back.

Fionagh Thomson, Senior Research Fellow in Disruptive Technologies, Space/Environmental Ethics, Visual ethnographer, Durham University • conversation
March 20, 2024 ~9 min

Solar eclipses result from a fantastic celestial coincidence of scale and distance

Many people will see a dazzling eclipse this April, but these events are possible only because of the sizes and precise distances between Earth, the Moon and the Sun.

Christopher Palma, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Students and Teaching Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Penn State • conversation
March 12, 2024 ~6 min

Our survey of the sky is uncovering the secrets of how planets are born

Astronomers have spotted a surprisingly diverse set of planet-forming disks.

Christian Ginski, Lecturer of astronomy, University of Galway • conversation
March 12, 2024 ~7 min

Total solar eclipses, while stunning, can damage your eyes if viewed without the right protection

Now’s the time to get your hands on a pair of eclipse glasses in preparation for April’s display of celestial wonder.

Geoffrey Bradford, Professor of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, West Virginia University • conversation
March 12, 2024 ~6 min


NASA’s search for life on Mars: a rocky road for its rovers, a long slog for scientists – and back on Earth, a battle of the budget

Determining whether or not life exists on another planet is an extraordinarily complicated – and expensive – scientific endeavor.

Amy J. Williams, Assistant Professor of Geology, University of Florida • conversation
March 12, 2024 ~7 min

April’s eclipse will mean interruptions in solar power generation, which could strain electrical grids

When the Moon blocks the Sun during an eclipse, utility suppliers have to pull power from the grid to make up for gaps in solar energy.

Vahe Peroomian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
March 8, 2024 ~7 min

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