galactic plane

These 'interstellar glaciers' could give water to young star systems. Could they support alien life, too?

By Sharmila Kuthunur Published 23 April 26

NASA's SPHEREx space telescope reveals widespread water ice in Cygnus X, showing how dust shields molecules in star-forming regions across the Milky Way.

Explore the Milky Way like never before in this stunning new color map (image)

By Samantha Mathewson Published 31 October 25

Astronomers have unveiled the largest low-frequency radio color image of the Milky Way ever created, offering a sprawling, interactive cosmic panorama with unprecedented detail.

Where Tomorrow's Stars Will Be Born

By Space.com Staff Published 6 July 09

New map reveals thousands of previously undiscovered knots of cold cosmic dust, each a potential star waiting to be born.

Out-of-This-World Hypothesis: Cosmic Forces Control Life on Earth

By Ker Than Published 23 April 07

The rise and fall of species on Earth might be driven in part by the undulating motions of our Solar System through the Milky Way’s galactic plane, scientists say.