What’s the Best Design for a Flying Mars Robot?
Building a flying vehicle for Mars would have significant advantages for exploration of the surface. However, to date, all of…
Earth’s Gold Came From Colliding Stars
Are you wearing a gold ring? Or perhaps gold-plated earrings? Maybe you have some gold fillings in your teeth... for…
Astrophoto: Beautiful View from the Top of Haleakala
As the Bad Astronomer has been known to say, "Holy Haleakala!" What an awesome view from the top of Haleakala,…
New SpaceX Rocket Booster Completes ‘Full Mission Duration’ Firing Test
A new booster forming the heart of a next-generation SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket underwent a three-minute test this week ahead…
Water-Trapped Worlds Possible Around Red Dwarf Stars?
Hunters of alien life may have a new and unsuspected niche to scout out. A recent paper submitted by Associate…
Pulled Apart By Black Hole Heart
If you thought all was reasonably quiet at the center of the Milky Way, you'd be wrong. Of course, you…
Stars, Galaxies, and Comet ISON Grace a New Image from Hubble
This image of the steadily-approaching Comet ISON, made from observations with the Hubble Space Telescope on April 30, show not…
A Heat Wave So Big You Can See It From Space
Hot enough for ya? If you live anywhere on the eastern half of the United States (like me) you've probably…
Astrophoto: The Gorgeous Colors of a Setting Quarter Moon
When I looked out my south-facing window last night, I saw a gorgeous quarter Moon high in the sky. Giuseppe…
Seeing Red: Hunting Herschel’s Garnet Star
Quick, what’s the reddest star visible to the naked eye? Depending on your sky conditions, your answer may well be…