Astronomy

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.

Astronomy

X-ray flare from a dim source

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

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.

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.

Astronomy

Honors for Science News astronomy writer

Science News astronomy writer Ron Cowen is a recipient of the third David N. Schramm award for distinguished writing on high-energy astrophysics.

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.

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.

Astronomy

Ordinary matter: Lost and found

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

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.

Astronomy

The smashup that rejuvenates

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

Astronomy

Death of a pioneer

Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft to reach the fringes of the solar system, appears to have sent its last feeble signal to Earth on Jan. 22.

Astronomy

Cosmic Doomsday Scenario: Phantom energy would trigger the Big Rip

According to a new model, the universe may end with a Big Rip—every galaxy, star, planet, molecule, and atom torn asunder and the cosmos ceasing to exist some 21 billion years from now.