Tech

An illustration of an atomic nucleus is space (inset) the multi-layer Compton camera originally designed to investigate astronomy not nuclear structure

Deep-space astronomy sensor peers into the heart of an atom

By Robert Lea published

"Developed initially for space observations, the Compton Camera has now proven its worth as a tool for addressing complex scientific questions in other domains as well."

Tech
illustration of a conical white space capsule entering Earth's atmosphere, generating a fiery orange wake of superheated gases.

Private Varda Space capsule returns to Earth with space-grown antiviral drug aboard

By Mike Wall published

California startup Varda's first in-space manufacturing mission wrapped up on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 21) with a touchdown of its capsule in northern Utah.

Tech
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Spaceflight

a large black and silver rocket vents vapor at night while standing upright on a launch pad

SpaceX eyes March 14 for 3rd Starship test flight

By Brett Tingley published

SpaceX could launch its Starship megarocket on its third test flight as soon as March 14, the company quietly announced via social media.

Private Spaceflight
a plume of smoke rising from the ground culminates in a large explosion

Japan's 1st commercial rocket explodes shortly after liftoff (video)

By Andrew Jones published

A Japanese company's first orbital launch attempt ended in a dramatic failure just seconds after liftoff on Wednesday, March 13.

Private Spaceflight
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Science & Astronomy

Pluto and Charon appear in a composite of natural-color images obtained by New Horizons space probe on July 13 and 14, 2015. Image released July 24, 2015.

What is the smallest known planet?

By Rebecca Sohn published

Space mysteries Although Kepler 37-b has held the title of "smallest planet" for over a decade, it won't hold that designation forever.

Space mysteries
A simulation of dark energy in the universe obtained using AI

Dark energy remains a mystery. Maybe AI can help crack the code

By Robert Lea published

Dark energy has humans stumped. The force is sometimes even labeled "the worst prediction in the history of physics." Can AI do any better?

The Universe
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Meet the team

Search For Life

the icy jupiter moon europa against the blackness of space

If there's life on Europa, solar sails could help us find it

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

Solar sails are well suited for life-hunting missions to icy, ocean-harboring moons like Europa and Enceladus, a new study suggests.

Search for Life
a sign in the desert that reads "ufo crash site, ufo museum 114 north main street, roswell"

Pentagon UFO office finds 'no empirical evidence' for alien technology in new report

By Brett Tingley published

The Pentagon's UFO office says there is no evidence for claims that any sightings represent extraterrestrial technology or that the government possesses crashed alien spacecraft.

Search for Life
U.S. Navy videos of alleged UFO sightings were previously available but had not been officially declassified.

NASA UFO report finds no evidence of 'extraterrestrial origin' for UAP sightings

By Brett Tingley published

"But we don't know what these UAP are," NASA chief says. The agency is appointing a new UAP research director.

Search for Life
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Skywatching

a blue cluster of stars glimmer together, above a small crescent moon. a large oragne circle flanks the sides, cutoff on the top and bottom.

The moon visits the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades tonight

By Brett Tingley published

The four-day-old waxing crescent moon will be positioned just below the Pleiades star cluster on Thursday, March 14.

Stargazing
A gif showing a bright yellow star moving toward the right of the screen with a disk of matter around it. A poof of white gas blows up toward the left of the disk.

A rare nova ignites a 'new star' in the sky this year. Here's how to see it

By Samantha Mathewson published

A nova named T Coronae Borealis is expected to decorate the night sky between February and September 2024 for the first time in 80 years. Here's how you can see the event.

Stargazing
a grey planet covered in craters against the blackness of space

See Mercury at its best in the night sky this month

By Joe Rao published

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, we're in the midst of a fine "window of opportunity" for viewing Mercury in the evening sky throughout March.

Stargazing
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Entertainment

photo of a multicolored LEGO rover on a shiny table against a purple and blue cosmic-themed backdrop

New Lego Technic Mars Crew Exploration Rover is sci-fi but built with NASA's help

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

Lego and NASA have a long history of collaborating, but the release of the Technic Mars Crew Exploration Rover launched the partnership in a new direction, both for the toy company and space agency.

Entertainment
Promo art for CNN's "Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight"

CNN explores NASA's Columbia shuttle tragedy in riveting docuseries (video)

By Jeff Spry published

A first trailer for CNN Originals' new docuseries, "Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight."

Entertainment
a post-apocalyptic cowboy with no nose displays a tranquilizer dart

Wander into the wasteland for Prime Video's live-action 'Fallout' series (trailer)

By Jeff Spry published

First trailer drops for Prime Video's new live-action "Fallout" streaming series landing in April

Entertainment
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References

A photographer uses one of the best mirrorless cameras at the coast

Best mirrorless cameras in 2024: Canon, Nikon, Sony and more

By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated

Buying Guide Our guide to the best mirrorless cameras which offer the very latest in photographic technology, from crop sensor to full-frame and everything in between.

Buying Guide
One of the best camera drones, the DJI Mavic 3 Cine, placed on stone floor.

Best camera drones 2024: Take your aerial photos and videos to new heights

By James Abbott last updated

Buying guide The best camera drones can capture stunning photos and videos from a bird's eye view. We've rounded up a list of options suitable for every need and budget.

Buying guide
Hand reaches out for one of the best drones

Best drones 2024: take to the skies with one of the best drones money can buy

By James Abbott last updated

Here's our guide to the best drones available today — find the perfect drone to suit your needs, whether you're a pro drone pilot or new to flying.

Astronomy Kit
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