Ron Cowen

All Stories by Ron Cowen

  1. Astronomy

    Cosmic Blowout: Black holes spew as much as they consume

    Supermassive black holes at the cores of galaxies can blow out as much material as they swallow, creating high-speed winds that may seed the universe with oxygen, carbon, iron, and other elements essential for life.

  2. Planetary Science

    Spacecraft reveal Mars’ molten heart

    Tracking the precise motion of a spacecraft orbiting Mars, planetary scientists have deduced that the core of the Red Planet is at least partially liquid.

  3. Tech

    Building a Better Shuttle

    Researchers are working on both more heat-tolerant materials and totally new designs for vehicles that might ultimately replace the space shuttle.

  4. Astronomy

    By the light of a starry eruption

    Astronomers calculating the brightness of a supernova explosion witnessed in the 11th century estimate that it was likely the most brilliant stellar event in recorded history.

  5. Astronomy

    X-ray flare from a dim source

    An X-ray flare coming from a old, failed star has surprised astronomers.

  6. Astronomy

    A comet’s chilly origin

    Astronomers have detected argon in comet Hale-Bopp, the first time an inert gas has been found in one of these icy bodies and an indication that the comet formed in the frigid outer solar system between the orbits of Uranus and Neptune.

  7. Astronomy

    Telescope finds tiny moon of Jupiter

    Astronomers reported the discovery of Jupiter's 17th known moon, the first Jovian moon discovered in 25 years and perhaps the tiniest known satellite of any planet.

  8. Astronomy

    Cosmic Afterglow: Gamma-ray bursts may one-up themselves

    New observations suggest that gamma-ray bursts may be even more energetic than scientists had estimated.

  9. Astronomy

    Planet’s Slim-Fast Plan: Extrasolar orb is too close for comfort

    A new study of the atmosphere of a planet outside the solar system suggests that some orbs will vaporize if they orbit too close to their parent star.

  10. Astronomy

    Ordinary matter: Lost and found

    Astronomers believe they have finally found the whereabouts of most of the ordinary matter in the universe.

  11. Astronomy

    Astronomers get radio protection

    Astronomers studying the universe at millimeter-wave energies-the high-frequency portion of the radio spectrum-were given an official guarantee last month that commercial satellites and other communication devices won't interfere with the scientists' observations.

  12. Astronomy

    The smashup that rejuvenates

    For some elderly stars, the fountain of youth may be only a collision away.