Astrophysics

The Whirlpool Galaxy comes alive | Space photo of the day for May 13, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd published 13 May 26

M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, looks incredible in this new snap by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Scientists found 10,000 possible exoplanets hiding in NASA data

By Chelsea Gohd published 8 May 26

It would appear we now have 10,091 candidate exoplanets to go through and confirm.

Why do the numbers that shape our universe exist at all?

By Paul Sutter published 23 May 25

There is a set of very special numbers, known as the fundamental constants of nature, that cannot be explained. Where do they come from?

The physics of the universe appear to be fine-tuned for life. Why?

By Paul Sutter published 21 May 25

The physical constants of the universe appear to favor the existence of life. So why are we here?

NASA selects four astrophysics missions for further study

By Andrew Jones published 19 August 22

Four astrophysics mission proposals to study stars, galaxies and some of the most violent explosions in the universe have been selected for further study by NASA.

SpaceX secures contract to launch NASA's SPHEREx astrophysics mission

By Chelsea Gohd published 5 February 21

SpaceX will be launching an astrophysics mission for NASA.

A 'tsunami' for astrophysics: New Gaia data reveals the best map of our galaxy yet

By Megan Gannon published 3 December 20

With new data from the European Gaia spacecraft, astronomers can now explore 1.8 billion cosmic objects in unparalleled detail.

'How to Die in Space' explores the dangers of astrophysics

By Meghan Bartels published 21 July 20

Life on Earth can seem pretty hazardous, but if you ask astrophysicist Paul Sutter, it's still safer than anywhere else in the universe.