Astronomy

Materials Science

Like the Nobel, Only Norwegian

Two weeks from now, an astrophysicist, neuroscientist, and nanoscience researcher will each be named to receive $1 million Kavli Prizes.

Astronomy

Honing the Hubble

Astronomers are sharpening measurements of a familiar cosmic parameter to shed new light on dark energy, the mysterious entity that’s accelerating the universe’s rate of expansion.

Astronomy

A Phoenix on Mars

A new robotic lander will search the north polar region of Mars for habitability.

Astronomy

Massive minis

Astronomers have discovered a puzzling group of galaxies in the early universe that are as tiny as babies but as massive as full-grown adults.

Astronomy

Pioneer 10’s puzzling motion: a lot of hot air

The slow-down of the Pioneer spacecrafts may be caused in part by the way they radiate heat, new data shows.

Astronomy

BOOK LIST | Archimedes to Hawking: Laws of Science and the Great Minds Behind Them

Pickover, who has authored 40 books on many aspects of science and mathematics, discusses how the works of great minds from Archimedes to Stephen Hawking have changed humankind’s understanding of the universe. BIG IDEAS, AND BIG THINKERS, IN COSMOLOGY Oxford University Press, 2008, 514 p., $27.95.

Astronomy

Solving a cosmic ray conundrum

Astronomers say they have solved a puzzle about the most energetic particles that smash into Earth.

Astronomy

In the Beginning: More early clues for life at home, out there

Astronomers move closer to understanding how life arose on Earth and how it could arise elsewhere.

Astronomy

From Dark Matter to Light

Recent surveys of the shapes, colors, and masses of galaxies have put a new focus on the nitty-gritty of galaxy formation—the complicated physics of the interaction of gas.

Astronomy

State of the Universe: Microwave glow powers cosmic insights

Radiation left over from the Big Bang offers researchers unprecedented cosmic understanding.

Astronomy

Supernova Outbreak: X rays signal earliest alert

Thanks to a lucky break and an overactive galaxy, astronomers report the earliest detection yet of a normal supernova—the explosive death of a massive star.

Astronomy

Web Special: Supernova Outbreak—X rays signal earliest alert

MARCH 5 — Thanks to a lucky break and an overactive galaxy, astronomers report the earliest detection yet of a normal supernova—the explosive death of a massive star. Advance article from March 8 issue.