Space

Astronomy

Clues left at a galactic hit-and-run

Scientists may have discovered a dwarf galaxy that triggered a “galaxy quake” when it buzzed by the Milky Way a few hundred million years ago.

Astronomy

Red giants map how the Milky Way grew

A new catalog of the ages of our galaxy’s stars confirms that the Milky Way grew from the inside out.

Cosmology

‘Origins’ offers science-based account of creation

In Origins, a science writer compiles an ambitious yet concise history of the universe and life on Earth.

Astronomy

Newfound gas cloud may be graveyard of first stars

A 12-billion-year-old gas cloud, rich in hydrogen and helium but nothing else, may house the remains of the universe’s first stars.

Astronomy

To search for an advanced civilization, take a U-turn to star clusters

Globular star clusters might be safe, stable homes for long-lived advanced civilizations.

Astronomy

This black hole is an extreme recycler

A cosmic pump powered by a supermassive black hole is recycling gas through a galaxy.

Astronomy

Black hole burps up gobbled gas and dust

Two belches from a supermassive black hole are drifting away from another galaxy.

Astronomy

Supernova captured in quadruple comes back for an encore

A supernova that has already appeared four times is back for an encore.

Particle Physics

Dark matter helped destroy the dinosaurs, physicist posits

In ‘Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs,’ Lisa Randall finds connections between particle physics, cosmology, geology and paleontology.

Astronomy

‘Bones’ in Milky Way could help map galactic structure

Six newly discovered tendrils of interstellar gas might be “bones” of the Milky Way that could help researchers understand the scaffolding of our galaxy.

Astronomy

This white dwarf is hotter than the rest

A new record holder for hottest white dwarf sizzles at about 250,000˚ Celsius.

Astronomy

Astronomical milestones of 2015

The New Horizons mission to Pluto was the No. 1 science story of the year. Here some other notable space missions.