SPACE

"Spin, Spin, Spinning Around": A New Method On How We Measure Stars

SPACE Stars litter our skies with celestial light, continually cementing the fact that our planet, no matter how large it may seem, is just a grain of sand on the beach that is our shared universe. And, for years, astronomers have gauged a star's age by how brightly it shined. While this is moderately effective, another method has been tested-and-proven to be more accurate. Published in the newest issue of the journal Nature, astronomer's note that how quickly a star spins is the ideal metric to determining its age.

Can SpaceX Deliver on Its Ambitious 2015 Goals?

SpaceX has an ambitious year of goals ahead of it, as it tries to demonstrate how commercial space flight can be faster and more efficient compared to government run agencies. But many international space agencies are left wondering: can they make it?

Light Signals Discovered by NASA Reveal The Merging of Two Black Holes

For the first time ever, scientists have seen an unusual light signal that appears to be repeating itself from a distant quasar. And no, before the thought crosses your mind, this is not a sign of extraterrestrial life, but rather a signal from two black holes. These signals are an indication of two supermassive black holes that are in the last stages of merging together.

Mystery of Constellation Carina's Massive Explosions Revealed in 3D Models

Within 10,000 light-years lies the constellation Carina, which contains one of the most impressive and mysterious star systems we know. Two massive stars, known as Eta Carinae have erupted twice in the 19th century for reasons astronomers still do not understand. And now, astronomers from the 225th meetings of the American Astronomical Society weighed in on the system with new findings, which include 3D printed models that show never-before-seen features of the interactions between the two stars.

NASA Researchers Resolve Every Star in New Panoramic View of Andromeda

While a new view of the the “Pillars of Creation” from the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16) was revealed this last Monday, Jan. 5 for the 225th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, researchers at NASA have revealed an even brighter sight from a bird’s-eye view. Publishing their latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers at NASA are proudly displaying the largest Hubble image ever assembled in a stunning wide-angle view of the Andromeda galaxy next door.

Curiosity Rover Uncovers Potential Fossils on Mars

The Curiosity Rover has uncovered what appears to be rock forms very similar to those that were responsible for the formation of life on Earth. Located in the Gale Crater, the Curiosity continues its search for signs that Mars once supported life.

Passing Stars May Send Comets Smashing Into Earth – Eventually

Stars passing close to our solar system could send comets hurdling toward Earth increasing the risk of impact altering life as we know it. Scientists still say there is not much for us to worry about as these collisions won't happen for hundreds of thousands of years.

‘Houston, We Have a Problem’—SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Called Off

After weeks of anticipation for private spaceflight company SpaceX’s innovative new launch scheduled for departure earlier this morning, Jan. 6, NASA officials reported that the launch was called off due to technical difficulties, only minutes before liftoff.

Hubble’s New View of the ‘Pillars of Creation’

It’s not a new sight, in fact it’s estimated to be 2 million years old, but with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope astronomers are taking a glimpse at a new view of the “Pillars of Creation” sitting deep within the iconic Eagle Nebula 7,000 light years away.

Newly Found Comet Dazzles Observers

A newly discovered comet is dazzling observers and amateur astronomers across the world, with its unique green color and blue tail. The new comet, found in August and named for its founder, Terry Lovejoy, will soon fade from viewing and won't return to our solar neighborhood for 10,000 years.

Recommended Stories