Space

Cosmology

Celebrating a new way to listen to the universe

Editor in Chief Eva Emerson reflects on the detection of gravitational waves as a historic moment for physics.

Chemistry

After 75 years, plutonium is still NASA’s fuel of choice

On the 75th anniversary of the discovery of plutonium, the radioactive element is still not a major source of fuel for nuclear power plants in the United States.

Astronomy

Black hole heavyweights triggered gravity wave event

Those gravity waves came from two black holes more massive than any known outside a galactic core and formed in an environment different than the Milky Way.

Planetary Science

120 seconds in Pluto’s shadow

A 747 outfitted with a telescope worked with New Horizons to reveal details about Pluto’s atmosphere.

Astronomy

Planets may emerge from stellar duo gathering icy dust

Gas freezing onto dust grains around a binary star could be setting up a site where comets or even planets might someday form.

Physics

‘Gravity waves’ is an OK way to refer to gravitational radiation

There’s not lexicographical basis for complaints that ‘gravity wave’ is incorrect usage for gravitational waves.

Physics

The long road to detecting gravity waves

Thanks to two colliding black holes, Einstein's historic prediction of gravitational waves disturbing the fabric of spacetime has finally been realized.

Physics

Gravitational waves explained

Colliding black holes send ripples through spacetime that can be detected here on Earth. What are these gravitational waves, and how did Advanced LIGO detect them?

Physics

Gravity waves from black holes verify Einstein’s prediction

Gravitational waves, tremors in the cosmic fabric of space and time predicted by Einstein a century ago, have finally been detected, opening a new avenue for exploring the universe.

Astronomy

Readers tussle over top science stories of 2015

Readers tussle over the top spot in our top 25, questions about engineered vocal cords, and more in the February 20 Feedback.

Astronomy

In all sorts of circumstances, life finds a way

Editor in Chief discusses the new marine habitats formed by human pollution and the alarming rise of the Zika virus.

Planetary Science

Support grows for a return to ice giants Uranus and Neptune

Thirty years ago, Voyager 2 cruised past Uranus and then on to Neptune. Now planetary scientists think it’s time to go back.