stars
Where is Earth in the Milky Way?
The Milky Way Galaxy is a very, very big place. And figuring out where Earth resides inside of it has…
Can Stars Be Cold?
Stars are hot, we know that, everyone knows that. But are there “cold stars”? It all depends on what you…
Astronomy Cast Ep. 412: The Color of the Universe
What color is the Universe? Turns out this isn't a simple question, and one that scientists have really been unable…
Nearby Supernovas Showered Earth With Iron
We all know that we are "made of star-stuff," with all of the elements necessary for the formation of planets and even…
Kepler Catches Early Flash Of An Exploding Star
The Kepler spacecraft has captured the "shock breakout" of a distant supernova, a twenty minute event that signals the end…
Who Discovered Helium?
In addition to its many commercial and scientific uses, helium is one of the most plentiful elements in our universe,…
Astronomy Cast Ep. 406: Stellar Cannibalism
Most of the time stars hang around for billions of years. But the Universe is a big place, and anything…
What Are The Constellations?
Humans have been looking up at the stars and finding patterns for millennia. Today, there are 88 recognized constellations, each…
How Do Stars Go Rogue?
Rogue stars are moving so quickly they’re leaving the Milky Way, and never coming back. How in the Universe could…
The Journey of Light, From the Stars to Your Eyes
This week, millions of people will turn their eyes to the skies in anticipation of the 2015 Perseid meteor shower. But what happens on less…