Astronomy

If our Solar System seems stable, it's because our short lifespans make it seem that way. Earth revolves, night follows day, the Moon moves through light and shadow, and the Sun hangs in the sky. But in reality, everything is moving and influencing everything else, and the fine balance we observe can easily be disrupted. Could passing stars have disrupted Earth's orbit and ushered in dramatic climatic changes in our planet's past?

In 1912, astronomer Victor Hess discovered strange, high-energy particles called "cosmic rays." Since then, researchers have hunted for their birthplaces. Today, we know about some of the cosmic ray "launch pads", ranging from the Sun and supernova explosions to black holes and distant active galactic nuclei. What astronomers are now searching are sources of cosmic rays within the Milky Way Galaxy. One such source is a pulsar wind nebula sending high-energy particles out to space.

Shortly after astronomers detected asteroid 2024 YR4 on December 27th, 2024, they realized it posed no threat to Earth. But it still might impact the Moon in 2032. The impact debris could threaten satellites and trigger an extraordinarily stunning meteor shower.

As more men turn to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for energy, mood and muscle, experts warn the risks are still not fully understood.

James Webb Space Telescope finds exoplanets in extreme environments that could potentially be habitable.

Image: A close-up view of Vienna, Austria’s capital city, is featured in this image from April 2025.

ESA Delivers: 50 years booklet

50 hallmark achievements across 50 years

Rocket Lab planned to launch a satellite for a confidential customer early Friday morning (June 20), but Mother Nature didn't cooperate.

Unlike other primates, humans are exposed to high levels of placental sex hormones in the womb, which may have shaped our evolutionary brain development

Unlike other primates, humans are exposed to high levels of placental sex hormones in the womb, which may have shaped our evolutionary brain development

For centuries Mars has been called "the Red Planet" and there's a scientific reason why.

A powerful new technique is poised to revolutionize how astronomers observe black holes, by producing sharp, multicolored images that could reveal their dynamic evolution in real time.

A newly identified brain circuit in mice may explain why we sleep longer and deeper after being sleep deprived – and lead to new treatments for sleep conditions

A newly identified brain circuit in mice may explain why we sleep longer and deeper after being sleep deprived – and lead to new treatments for sleep conditions

Treating types of cancer with CAR T-cell therapy is expensive and inconvenient, but a streamlined approach that creates the therapy within the body could make the intervention cheaper and easier

Treating types of cancer with CAR T-cell therapy is expensive and inconvenient, but a streamlined approach that creates the therapy within the body could make the intervention cheaper and easier

The sun will reach its most northern point on June 20, marking the start of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Data from beach cleanups show that banning or taxing single-use plastic bags makes a difference in ecosystems

This 4+ Lego set is colorful and fun, ideal for young Marvel fans looking for an early introduction to building Lego.

Researchers bring a SETI approach to the question of what—if anything—humpbacks’ underwater smoke rings might be trying to “say”