Space
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We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Space
Fermilab data hint at possible new particle
For the second time in weeks, results from powerful collisions of protons and antiprotons at Fermilab’s Tevatron accelerator can’t be explained with standard model of physics.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Atom & Cosmos
Planets’ rippled rings carry a record of past comet collisions, plus twin solar peaks and identifying elderly stars in this week’s news.
By Science News - Physics
Remodeling the standard model
Physicists could be on the verge of discovering a new elementary particle, studies at a U.S. accelerator suggest.
By Ron Cowen - Space
First portraits of Mercury from orbit
MESSENGER spacecraft to capture more than 1,500 images in three days.
By Ron Cowen - Space
First shot of Mercury from orbit
MESSENGER has radioed to Earth a new look at the first rock from the sun.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Atom & Cosmos
Dead stars may actually be a good place to hunt for life, plus organic-free asteroids and watery comets in this week’s news.
By Science News - Space
Planets take shape in embryonic gas clouds
A new theory of planetary formation may explain variety seen in extrasolar searches.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Atom & Cosmos
Ancient galaxies are found in a surprisingly full-grown state, plus stellar hearts and Mars’ rocky past in this week’s news.
By Science News - Space
Laser proposed to deflect space junk
A ground-based device would use light to push debris off a collision course.
By Ron Cowen -
- Space
MESSENGER eases into Mercury’s orbit
After three flybys, a NASA spacecraft settles in for a closer look at the first planet.
By Ron Cowen - Tech
Chernobyl’s lessons for Japan
Radioactive iodine released by the Chernobyl nuclear accident has left a legacy of thyroid cancers among downwinders — one that shows no sign of diminishing. The new data also point to what could be in store if conditions at Japan’s troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear-power complex continue to sour.
By Janet Raloff