Frontier science, explained
Space, physics and materials news from NASA, NIST, ESA/Hubble, ESA/Webb, ESO, NOIRLab and ALMA.
Bioinspired Materials Can Take a Punch
Scientists develop new impact-resistant material based on the exoskeleton of the mantis shrimp.
materials
Astronomers capture most detailed thousand-colour image of a galaxy
Astronomers have created a galactic masterpiece: an ultra-detailed image that reveals previously unseen features in the Sculptor Galaxy.
astrophysicsgalaxies
Hubble casts doubt on certainty of galactic collision
Over a decade’s worth of NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope data was used to re-examine the long-held prediction that the Milky Way galaxy will collide with the Andromeda galaxy in about 4.5 billion years.
astrophysicsgalaxies’Cosmic joust’: astronomers observe pair of galaxies in deep-space battle
Astronomers have witnessed for the first time a violent cosmic collision in which one galaxy pierces another with intense radiation.
astrophysicsgalaxiesWebb’s Titan forecast: partly cloudy with occasional methane showers
Astronomers see evidence of clouds bubbling up over Titan’s northern hemisphere.
astrophysicsthe solar system
Webb reveals new details and mysteries in Jupiter’s aurora
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has captured new details of the auroras on our Solar System’s largest planet.
astrophysicsthe solar system
New Atomic Fountain Clock Joins Elite Group That Keeps the World on Time
NIST-F4, a new cesium fountain clock at NIST's Boulder campus, has been established as one of the world's most accurate timekeepers and submitted as a candidate primary frequency standard.
metrology
Hubble celebrates 35th year in orbit
In celebration of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope’s 35 years in Earth orbit, an assortment of compelling images have been released today that were recently taken by Hubble.
astrophysics
Hubble spies a cosmic pillar in the Eagle Nebula
In anticipation of the upcoming 35th anniversary of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, ESA/Hubble is continuing the celebrations with a new view of the Eagle Nebula.
astrophysicsnebulae
NIST’s Curved Neutron Beams Could Deliver Benefits Straight to Industry
In a physics first, a team including scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a way to make beams of neutrons tr
neutron research
Webb uncovers possible hidden supermassive black hole in nearby spiral galaxy M83
Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have discovered evidence that suggests the presence of a long-sought supermassive black hole at the heart of the nearby spiral galaxy Messier 83 (M83).
astrophysicsblack holes
"Big surprise": astronomers find planet in perpendicular orbit around pair of stars
Astronomers have found a planet that orbits at an angle of 90 degrees around a rare pair of peculiar stars.
astrophysicsexoplanets
Hubble provides a new view of a galactic favourite
In anticipation of the upcoming 35th anniversary of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, ESA/Hubble is continuing the celebrations with a new image of the Sombrero Galaxy, also known as Messier 104.
astrophysicsgalaxies
Hubble investigates a magnetar’s birthplace
Magnetars are ultra-dense stellar remnants with extremely strong magnetic fields.
astrophysics
Dying star's energetic display comes into full focus
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has taken the most detailed image of planetary nebula NGC 1514 to date thanks to its unique mid-infrared observations.
astrophysicsstars