Space

Earth

Night-shining ‘noctilucent’ clouds have crept south this summer

Clouds high in the atmosphere that catch the sun’s rays even after sundown may be seen farther from the poles due to an increase in moisture in the air.

Astronomy

Gaps in gas disks around stars may not always mark newborn planets

New research has prompted a rethink of the theory that gaps in planet-forming disks around young stars mark spaces where planets are being created.

Planetary Science

Accolades, skepticism and science marked Science News’ coverage of Apollo

Science News’ coverage of the Apollo program stayed focused on the science but also framed the moon missions in the broader social and political context of the era.

Planetary Science

How NASA has kept Apollo moon rocks safe from contamination for 50 years

NASA wouldn’t let our reporter touch the Apollo moon rocks. Here’s why that’s a good thing.

Planetary Science

Apollo astronauts left trash, mementos and experiments on the moon

Here’s what planetary scientists are learning from the remains of Apollo outposts, and how archeologists hope to preserve it.

Planetary Science

Celebrate the moon landing anniversary with books that go beyond the small step

New books about Apollo 11 and the mission to the moon offer something for everyone, from astronomy lovers to fans of graphic novels and self-improvement buffs.

Planetary Science

Hayabusa2 may have just snagged bits of asteroid Ryugu’s insides

In its second sampling attempt, Hayabusa2 became the first spacecraft to try to pick up some of an asteroid’s guts.

Planetary Science

See how visualizations of the moon have changed over time

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, here’s a collection of images that show how the moon has been visualized over the ages.

Astronomy

Moons that escape their planets could become ‘ploonets’

If giant planets in other star systems lose their moons, the freed objects could become “ploonets,” and current telescopes may be able to find them.

Anthropology

Ancient humans used the moon as a calendar in the sky

Whether the moon was a timekeeper for early humans, as first argued during the Apollo missions, is still up for debate.

Ecosystems

Moonlight shapes how some animals move, grow and even sing

The moon’s light influences lion prey behavior, dung beetle navigation, fish growth, mass migrations and birdsong.

Planetary Science

Readers wanted to know about asteroids, lithium batteries and more

Readers had questions and comments about asteroids, lithium batteries, and pyroclastic flows.