Tech

collage showing 13 space-mission concepts, including a venus sample-return probe and a martian aircraft.

NASA funds Venus sample-return, interstellar probes and other far-out space tech

By Samantha Mathewson published

Through its NIAC program, NASA has awarded funding to 13 innovative space technology concepts that could shape future missions to Venus, Mars and worlds beyond our solar system.

Tech
an uncrewed aircraft with diamond-shaped wings flies through the air

DARPA's wild X-65 CRANE aircraft aims for 1st flight in summer 2025

By Brett Tingley published

DARPA and Aurora Flight Sciences have begun building the first full-scale X-65 aircraft to demonstrate a new method of flight control that uses no external moving parts.

Tech
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Spaceflight

a man wearing a space helmet with the visor open. He is smiling and looking off to his right.

Yuri Gagarin: Facts about the first human in space

By Rebecca Sohn last updated

Reference Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space when he orbited Earth in 1961 aboard the Vostok 1 space capsule.

Reference
a smiling woman in a blue jacket stands next to a dark blue flight suit.

Axiom astronaut Peggy Whitson hangs up her flight suit — on public display

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

The most experienced U.S. astronaut has hung up her flight suit. Peggy Whitson came to Space Center Houston for the reveal of her Axiom Space flight suit as it was placed on public display.

Human Spaceflight
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Science & Astronomy

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut and Expedition 66 Flight Engineer Matthias Maurer points the camera toward himself and takes a "space-selfie" during a six-hour and 54-minute spacewalk to install thermal gear and electronic components on the International Space Station.

What does space smell like?

By Keith Cooper published

Space mysteries From carbon molecules and ozone on spacesuits to the nauseating odor of comets and the sweet tang of gas clouds, the universe is a natural laboratory for aromatic chemistry.

Space mysteries
Wooden slips marked with Chinese characters that relate to the traditional Tiangan Dizhi astronomical calendar.

2,000-year-old 'celestial calendar' discovered in ancient Chinese tomb

By Tom Metcalfe published

Archaeologists in China have unearthed a mysterious set of rectangular wooden pieces linked to an ancient astronomical calendar.

The Universe
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Meet the team

Search For Life

ten large white radio telescopes point up at a cloudy sky.

SETI scientists begin huge new hunt for intelligent aliens

By Keith Cooper published

The search for alien technosignatures has dramatically expanded, thanks to a new experiment called COSMIC.

Search for Life
a man sits at a table with a laptop and telescope during a nighttime event. the american flag and two people on horseback are visible to his left.

1st 'interstellar tourism campaign' urges aliens to visit Lexington, Kentucky

By Jeff Spry published

Scientists beamed out a deep-space travel ad to potential aliens in the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system, urging them to visit Lexington, Kentucky.

Search for Life
An illustration of a string of Earths cascading into space. Lots of galaxies are seen in the background.

Alien technosignatures more likely to be found on oxygen-rich exoplanets. Here's why

By Keith Cooper published

To stand the best chance of detecting technosignatures, SETI should survey exoplanets with atmospheres that are at least 18% oxygen.

Search for Life
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Skywatching

new moon illustration shows a very dimly lit moon against a black background.

New moon calendar 2024: When is the next new moon?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Discover what a new moon is and when the next new moon will occur with our new moon 2024 guide.

Reference
Winter Solstice sunset shows a pink sky behind a lighthouse.

When is the Winter Solstice and what happens?

By Robert Lea last updated

Reference Winter Solstice has long marked a time of rebirth, behind it are fascinating astronomical events.

Reference
Sun shining through the stone arrangement at Stonehenge, UK.

The summer solstice: When is it and when does it occur?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference The summer solstice marks the start of astronomical summer and the longest day of the year. Here we explore when the summer solstice occurs and why.

Reference
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Entertainment

comic book illustration of four weapon-wielding people standing atop a spacecraft in space.

Remastered 'Space-Mullet' webcomic collection coming this summer

By Jeff Spry published

A preview of Image Comics 'Space-Mullet' TPB, which is landing in July 2024.

Entertainment

The best sci-fi movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix in January

By Scott Snowden last updated

A veritable treasure trove of sci-fi is available at your fingertips

Entertainment
illustration of earth with the bright sun in the background.

Rod Roddenberry on joining his legendary 'Star Trek' parents on Jan. 8 memorial Vulcan rocket launch (exclusive)

By Jeff Spry published

An exclusive interview with Rod Roddenberry, who will symbolically join his famous parents on a special memorial rocket flight on Jan. 8.

Entertainment
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References

a man wearing a space helmet with the visor open. He is smiling and looking off to his right.

Yuri Gagarin: Facts about the first human in space

By Rebecca Sohn last updated

Reference Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space when he orbited Earth in 1961 aboard the Vostok 1 space capsule.

Reference
Best Lego Star Wars sets 2023

Best Lego Star Wars sets 2024

By Kimberley Snaith last updated

We've rounded up the best Lego Star Wars sets this side of Tattoine.

Space Games & Toys
new moon illustration shows a very dimly lit moon against a black background.

New moon calendar 2024: When is the next new moon?

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Discover what a new moon is and when the next new moon will occur with our new moon 2024 guide.

Reference
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