SpaceX’s Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump for president – what this could mean for US space policy

Elon Musk’s support of Donald Trump could earn him some influence over space policy if Trump wins the 2024 election.

Svetla Ben-Itzhak, Assistant Professor of Space and International Relations, Johns Hopkins University • conversation
Aug. 13, 2024 ~10 min

Ancient grains of dust from space can be found on Earth − and provide clues about the life cycle of stars

Most presolar grains were destroyed in the formation of the universe. But some survived on meteorites.

Sachiko Amari, Research Professor of Physics, Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Aug. 7, 2024 ~3 min


Chang'e 6 brought rocks from the far side of the Moon back to Earth − a planetary scientist explains what this sample could hold

The far side of the Moon has a very different composition from the near side − so researchers are eager to see what stories these samples will tell.

Jeffrey Gillis-Davis, Research Professor of Physics, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Aug. 6, 2024 ~9 min

How can there be ice on the Moon?

It’s a fundamental requirement for life on Earth. But how does water exist on such a forbidding world as the Moon?

Glenn Lightsey, Professor of Space Systems Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Aug. 5, 2024 ~7 min

A new ‘guest star’ will appear in the sky in 2024 − a space scientist explains how nova events work and where to look

Your favorite TV show isn’t the only place where guest stars might appear. Keep an eye on the sky for the second half of 2024 and you might be able to witness a rare astronomical event.

Vahe Peroomian, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
Aug. 1, 2024 ~8 min

Nasa’s science mission spacecraft are at risk from hackers, but a new law could help protect them

New US legislation could force Nasa to include enhanced cybersecurity for all its spacecraft.

Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Senior Teaching Fellow in Space and Cyber, Hunter Centre For Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde • conversation
July 23, 2024 ~5 min

Astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station after yet more problems with Boeing’s beleaguered Starliner

The spacecraft’s return has been delayed while experts study helium leaks and thruster problems.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 15, 2024 ~6 min

Astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station after yet more problems with Boeing’s beleagured Starliner

The spacecraft’s return has been delayed while experts study helium leaks and thruster problems.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
July 15, 2024 ~6 min


Meteorites from Mars help scientists understand the red planet’s interior

These rare rocks come in a few different types, which can tell geologists about Mars’ volcanic past and hint at its potential habitability.

James Day, Professor of Geosciences, University of California, San Diego • conversation
July 12, 2024 ~8 min

Supermassive black holes have masses of more than a million suns – but their growth has slowed as the universe has aged

X-rays emitted around black holes can tell astrophysicists about how fast they’re growing.

W. Niel Brandt, Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Penn State • conversation
July 12, 2024 ~6 min

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