The universe

Explore The universe

Latest about The universe

The heliosphere blocks many cosmic rays, shown as bright streaks in this animated image, from reaching the planets of our solar system.

Scientists call the region of space influenced by the sun the heliosphere – but without an interstellar probe, they don't know much about its shape

By Sarah A. Spitzer published

The sun warms the Earth, making it habitable for people and animals. But that's not all it does, and it affects a much larger area of space.

The Sun
4 panel image showing from left to right, flooding, hurricane, wildfires and lightning

Why is Earth's weather getting weirder?

By Daisy Dobrijevic published

We take a look at the apparent uptick in weird weather events and discuss the possible causes with leading climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe.

Climate Change
Two barred spiral galaxies, known as NGC 7733 and NGC 7734, are in the process of merging. The lower galaxy has a dusty knot atop its upper arm, which marks a third galactic companion.

Is the universe still making new galaxies?

By Paul Sutter published

It's a fun question to tackle because it lets us dig into the messy, complicated, beautiful process of galaxy formation.

Galaxies
a swirling circle of clouds as seen from space

Hurricane Beryl sets multiple records as 1st major storm of 2024 Atlantic season (video)

By Meredith Garofalo published

What started as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa has now set multiple records and claimed the spot as the first hurricane to develop during the 2024 Atlantic season.

Climate Change
Thompson Fire in Oroville County, California on July 2, 2024.

'The last 12 months have broken records like never before': Earth exceeds 1.5 C warming every month for entire year

By Ben Turner published

Every month has broken the temperature record of the previous for the past 12 months, and the signs of climate breakdown are already here, a new analysis shows.

Climate Change
a ball of grey boulders and rocks seen against the blackness of space

'Dark comets' may have given Earth its water long ago

By Keith Cooper published

'Dark comets,' which have no visible tail, could also explain the strange behavior of the interstellar object 'Oumuamua.

Comets
On the left side, the universe is seen through the Rubin Observatory's eyes. It's a bunch of glowing, yellowish stars and galaxies against a dark background. On the right is the universe through Roman's eyes, and it's a little more greenish looking. There are fewer speckles overall, technically.

Astronomers could use a synthetic cosmos to unravel dark matter mysteries

By Robert Lea published

A simulated universe created by a supercomputer should help astronomers better analyze dark matter and dark energy clues delivered by "dark universe detective" telescopes Roman and Rubin.

The Universe
A view of the Ganges River Delta close to the Bay of Bengal at sunset.

Huge earthquake 2,500 years ago rerouted the Ganges River, study suggests

By Sascha Pare published

A new study suggests an earthquake of estimated magnitude 7.5 or 8 shook the Indian subcontinent 2,500 years ago, changing the course of the Ganges.

Earth
Two white orbs on the left side of the screen. In a boxout toward the bottom right, there's a red and purple splotchy image with a yellow glowing center.

Cosmic crime scene reveals ancient supernova aftermath of dead star merger

By Robert Lea published

A "guest star," briefly seen in 1181, was created by colliding dead stars.

Stars
A spacecraft is seen with a metal box like shape in the middle and a white disk-like shape toward the left.

1st images from European climate satellite reveal how energy cycles to and from Earth

By Meredith Garofalo published

The European Space Agency's EarthCARE satellite sent back its first images; they should be able to help scientists better study Earth's energy balance.

Climate Change
123456789Archives