Astronomy

Astronomy

Kepler space telescope data uncovers 715 new planets

Astronomers used a new tool to quickly confirm the detection of exoplanets.

Astronomy

Kepler data confirm 715 new exoplanets

The population of planets outside the solar system has grown by about 70 percent, thanks to discoveries culled from Kepler space telescope data. Researchers are announcing 715 new confirmed planets in a February 26 press conference.

Astronomy

China’s lunar rover alive, but still crippled

Mechanical issues are preventing the Yutu lunar rover from exploring the moon's surface as designed.

Astronomy

Pulsar pulverizes an asteroid

The steady beat of a pulsar may occasionally be interrupted by collisions with asteroids.

Astronomy

While exploding, supernovas not spherical

X-rays reveal uneven allotment of element made by blowup.

Astronomy

China’s lunar rover fails to connect with controllers (updated)

Yutu, or Jade Rabbit, could not be restored to full function, Chinese media report.

Astronomy

Oldest star provides hints about first supernovas

The chemical composition of star SMSS J031300.362670839.3 and four others suggests that the explosions of the early universe weren't big enough to seed galaxies with iron.

Astronomy

Old stars gleaned neighbors’ gas, Hubble data show

Blue straggler stars can continue to burn hot after taking material from a stellar companion.

Astronomy

Some gas clouds refuse to collapse

A study of dust gives astronomers a sharper picture of cold gas.

Astronomy

Clouds on nearby brown dwarf mapped

A study of clouds on a nearby brown dwarf reveals partial cloud cover.

Planetary Science

Dwarf planet Ceres gives off gassy water

Astronomers report observations that Ceres releases water molecules from two distinct spots on its surface.

Cosmology

New supernova spotted in nearby galaxy

The galaxy M82 has given off a brilliant flash, which astronomers have confirmed as a type 1a supernova.