News

What did the night sky look like on the 1st Independence Day 250 years ago?

By Joe Rao Published 4 July 26

As the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday, here's what Benjamin Franklin and other colonists would have seen when they looked up on July 4, 1776.

30 years on, "Independence Day" still proves the versatility of the original "The War of the Worlds"

By Richard Edwards Published 4 July 26

"Independence Day" isn't technically "The War of the Worlds" but it's still one of the most successful adaptations of HG Wells' genre-defining novel.

How to find Uranus this week, the hardest planet I've ever tried to see

By Jamie Carter Published 3 July 26

Get your eyes on the seventh planet, and you can graduate as a skywatcher — and there's a perfect way to cheat this week as Mars glides by Uranus.

As 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' turns 35, it's time to accept the truth: Terminator shouldn't be back

By Sergio Pereira Published 3 July 26

The future has been written, and it's a dark fate for the Terminator franchise.

Could humans someday explore Saturn's moon Titan, or will humanoid robots do it for us?

By Leonard David Published 3 July 26

Could humans ever set foot on Titan, or will AI-powered humanoid robots make the voyage instead?

'Independence Day' at 30: Roland Emmerich & Dean Devlin talk blowing up the White House and crafting a true sci-fi classic (interview)

By Jeff Spry Published 3 July 26

'Welcome to Earth… Now that's what I call a close encounter!'

1 private spacecraft intercepts another on Space Force's groundbreaking 'Victus Haze' mission

By Josh Dinner Published 3 July 26

A U.S. Space Force mission pitting two satellites against each other has completed the organization's first tactical intercept of an orbital target.

Celebrate 250 years of America with the Estes Liberty Star model rocket

By Harry Bennett Published 3 July 26

Deals Model rocket staple Estes has designed a limited edition model rocket decked out in red, white and blue for the 250th anniversary of Independence Day. Suitable for display or launch.

Space science has come a long way since July 4, 1776. Here's a look back at the saga

By Robert Lea Published 3 July 26

Celebrating America's 250th birthday, Space.com looks back at what our understanding of space was like in 1776 and what major developments occurred to change our thinking.

Infant stars celebrate their independence with cosmic fireworks| Space photo of the day for July 3, 2026

By Robert Lea Published 3 July 26

Infant stars celebrate their independence with cosmic fireworks in a stunning new image from the James Webb Space Telescope.