News

Ancient volcanic ash seen blowing across Mars in new spacecraft images

By Keith Cooper published 23 April 26

New images from the Mars Express spacecraft show ancient volcanic ash spreading across the Red Planet.

Binoculars deals 2026: big savings on top models from Celestron, Nikon and more

By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated 23 April 26

Here are all the best binoculars deals on the market with something for everyone regardless of budget, needs and experience.

James Webb Space Telescope peers into a dying star surrounded by mysterious buckyballs: 'The structures we're seeing now are breathtaking'

By Elizabeth Howell published 23 April 26

The James Webb Space Telescope captured the first detailed images of planetary nebula Tc 1, revealing new details of what happens after a sun-like star dies.

Interstellar invader comet 3I/ATLAS formed in a world much colder than the solar system

By Robert Lea published 23 April 26

"Each interstellar comet brings a little bit of its history, its fossils, from elsewhere."

NASA's TESS spacecraft discovers a weird system of exoplanets unlike anything seen before

By Robert Lea published 23 April 26

"Most planetary systems appear as 'peas in a pod.' This is not the case in the TOI-201 system."

The best telescopes for beginners 2026: From starter models to refractors and smart telescopes

By Gemma Lavender last updated 23 April 26

Buying Guide Ready to start your astronomy journey?

Nebula sparkles in new Hubble snapshot | Space photo of the day for April 23, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd published 23 April 26

Hubble revisits the Trifid Nebula in a spectacular image, revealing it's expansive splendor.

Japan's audacious sample-return mission to the Mars moon Phobos has made it to the launch pad

By Andrew Jones published 23 April 26

The complex MMX mission aims to shed light on the origins of Mars' two tiny moons, Phobos and Deimos, bringing Phobos material back to Earth in 2031.

Our recommended choice as the best beginner mirrorless camera has $400 off, and has just hit its best price of the year at Best Buy

By Paul Brett published 23 April 26

Deals Expert tester Kimberley Lane rated the Sony A7C II as a perfect camera for enthusiasts, which produced impressive astrophotography results without breaking the bank.

Making contact with ET? Aliens may already know we're here

By Leonard David published 23 April 26

Earth is dotted with many humongous, human-made structures. To an alien eye, they may be tell-tale signs of intelligent goings-on, betraying our existence and hinting at our capabilities.