Sharmila Kuthunur
Sharmila Kuthunur is a Seattle-based science journalist covering astronomy, astrophysics and space exploration. Follow her on X @skuthunur.
Latest articles by Sharmila Kuthunur
Icebergs are melting fast. This AI can track them 10,000 times faster than humans
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
A new AI method can rapidly spot and map large icebergs in satellite images, helping scientists track changes to icebergs and their meltwater.
Detecting alien life might be easier if we hunt for 'Jurassic worlds.' Here's why
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
"If they're out there, this analysis lets us figure out where they could be living."
These small galaxies were shredded by their larger siblings — but they survived
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
The rare dwarf galaxies were likely victims of galactic cannibalism.
James Webb Space Telescope reveals most distant Milky Way galaxy doppelganger
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Astronomers have found the most distant Milky Way look-alike we've seen the universe, challenging theoretical predictions of galaxy evolution.
Book excerpt: 'A City on Mars'
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Kelly and Zach Weinersmith discuss important unanswered questions about human space settlement in their new book, A City on Mars.
'A City on Mars' is a reality check for anyone dreaming about life on the Red Planet
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Ecologist Kelly Weinersmith discusses important unanswered questions about human space settlement in her new book, "A City on Mars."
Euclid 'dark universe' telescope captures 1st full-color views of the cosmos (images)
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
This brings Euclid one step closer to mapping our universe's dark matter and dark energy, two elusive aspects of the realm we live in.
Dark matter-hunting Euclid mission shares its 1st full-color images of the universe today
By Sharmila Kuthunur last updated
On Tuesday (Nov. 7), we'll get to see the universe in full color through the eyes of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Euclid probe for the first time.
These high-tech buzzers may help astronauts avoid getting lost in space (video)
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Researchers at Brandeis University in Massachusetts are developing wearable devices which vibrate to help astronauts fight against getting lost in space.
The James Webb Space Telescope's tech breakthroughs are already impacting science. Here's how
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
The JWST demanded software improvements that will help future telescopes and spacecraft.
Future moon astronauts may 3D-print their supplies using lunar minerals
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Microgravity 3D printing using a precious mineral abundant on the moon could help astronauts build on-demand supplies, shield themselves from UV radiation and even refine water, new study shows.
Chicxulub asteroid impact created 2-year cloud of dust that may have killed the dinosaurs
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Rocks formed during the Chicxulub asteroid impact reveal fine dust particles were main drivers of the global winter which led to extinction of 75% of Earth's species.
Supervolcano eruption on Pluto hints at hidden ocean beneath the surface
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
After analyzing some New Horizons images of Pluto, scientists found a supervolcano likely erupted on the planet as recently as a few million years ago.
NASA rocket to study star-forming supernova remnant on Oct. 29
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
On Sunday (Oct. 29), a NASA sounding rocket will study the life cycle of stars in the stunning Cygnus Loop.
James Webb Space Telescope finds rare heavy chemical element from 'kilonova' explosion
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Tellurium, an element rarer than platinum on Earth, was just found in the aftermath of a violent cosmic event 1 billion light-years away, thanks to James Webb Space Telescope.
Climate change has pushed Earth into 'uncharted territory': report
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
A new climate report finds humanity is pushing Earth's systems into "dangerous instability."
Largest-ever computer simulation of the universe escalates cosmology dilemma
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
The first efforts toward simulating all components of the universe fail to resolve the S8 tension. Is the standard theory of cosmology in trouble?
Nearby asteroid may contain elements 'beyond the periodic table', new study suggests
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Naturally occurring superheavy elements beyond those listed in the periodic table could potentially explain why asteroid 33 Polyhymnia is so dense, new research suggests.
The moon may be 40 million years older than we thought, Apollo 17 samples suggest
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
A new analysis of moon samples brought to Earth in 1972 reveals the moon is 4.46 billion years old.
Satellites watched wildfires burn a staggering 30% of Brazil's Pantanal wetlands
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
High-quality satellite images show that the 2020 wildfires burned at least 2.2 million more acres (890,000 hectares) of the Pantanal wetlands than previously estimated.
India wants to land astronauts on the moon in 2040
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
India plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2040 and build a space station by 2035, officials announced on Tuesday (Oct. 17).
AI-powered lasers could zap space debris away from collision courses
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
A network of space-based lasers could help nudge debris away from collision courses with the International Space Station, according to new research.
Dwarf planet Ceres could be a great place to hunt for alien life. Here's why
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Asteroid impacts on dwarf planet Ceres influenced the presence of organic aliphatic molecules, according to new research.
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