News

Smoke from devastating Canada wildfires visible from space | Space photo of the day for July 17, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 17 July 26

Satellites have captured images of the billowing smoke.

The Perseid meteor shower is here! How to see the best shooting stars this summer

By Anthony Wood Published 17 July 26

The 2026 Perseid meteor shower is active from tonight and peaks alongside a dramatic total solar eclipse on Aug. 12-13.

Astronauts just launched on a Soyuz rocket with an energy-drink ad on it, continuing a Russian tradition

By Elizabeth Howell Published 17 July 26

This week's ISS astronaut launch used a Soyuz rocket emblazoned with an ad for an energy drink. It's not the first time Russia has put an ad in space — and more may be coming.

SpaceX Starship Flight 13 launch updates: New launch date under review

By Josh Dinner Last updated 17 July 26

SpaceX is progressing toward Starship's next big test launch.

Are we underestimating the threat of solar storms? A 'once-in-a-thousand-year' disaster is worth considering, scientists say

By Samantha Mathewson Published 17 July 26

A new study suggests the most extreme solar storms to strike Earth could have greater impacts on satellites, power grids and communications than previously thought.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 test launch aborts at last second (video)

By Mike Wall Published 16 July 26

SpaceX aborted Flight 13 of its giant Starship rocket at the last second on Thursday (July 16). It's unclear when the company will try again.

SpaceX launches 21 'data transport' satellites for US military (video, photos)

By Mike Wall Last updated 16 July 26

SpaceX launched 21 more satellites for the U.S. military's advanced new "Tranche 1 Transport Layer" constellation from California's scenic central coast today (July 16).

Astronomers discover landslides on Pluto large enough to bury entire cities on Earth

By Keith Cooper Published 16 July 26

Evidence for landslides down steep crater walls on Pluto have been found in imagery from NASA's New Horizons mission.

Astronomers discover 1st atmosphere around a rocky Earth-like planet in the habitable zone

By Chelsea Gohd Published 16 July 26

"It's in the habitable zone, which is super exciting for astrobiology and habitability and searching for life."

SpaceX stacks massive Starship rocket ahead of today's Flight 13 test launch (video)

By Josh Dinner Published 16 July 26

SpaceX has stacked the two stages of its giant Starship rocket ahead of the Flight 13 test launch, which is scheduled to occur this evening (July 16).