Astronomy
Want to Measure the Distance to the Moon Yourself? Now You Can!
Astronomy is a discipline pursued at a distance. And yet, actually measuring that last word — distance — can be…
Observing Alert – Space Station ‘Marathon’ Starts This Week
What's your favorite satellite? For me it's the space station. Not only is it the brightest spacecraft in the sky, but…
Why You Shouldn’t ‘Buy Real Estate’ On Neptune’s Moon Triton
Leaving aside the complications of space treaties, a new video lays out another case for why you wouldn't want to…
Seeing in Triplicate: Catching a Rare Triple Shadow Transit of Jupiter’s Moons
The planet Jupiter is always fascinating to watch. Not only do surface features pop in and out of existence on its…
Kickstarting the Youngest Astronomers with “Universe in a Box”
Most children are naturally interested in science. And if you've ever heard a five-year-old recite complicated dinosaur names, or all…
Gas Cloud Survives Collision With Milky Way
A high-velocity cloud hurtling toward the Milky Way should have disintegrated long ago when it first collided with and passed…
Camelopardalid Meteor Shower Skimpy but Sweet
So how were the 'Cams' by you? Based on a few reports via e-mail and my own vigil of two…
New Supernova Pops in Bright Galaxy M106 in the ‘Hunting Dogs’
A supergiant star exploded 23.5 million years ago in one of the largest and brightest nearby galaxies. This spring we…
Amateur Asteroid Hunters Take Note: NASA and Slooh Will Ask For Your Help
Do you lack a telescope, but have a burning desire to look for asteroids near Earth? No problem! NASA and…
These Ultra-Black ‘Cosmic Clumps’ Will Give Birth To Powerful Stars
When gas and dust squeeze tightly enough together in space, no light can get through and the place is black…