Spiraling Stars Help Explain Early Universe

Spiraling stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud are the subject of a recent study in ‘The Astrophysical Journal.’ Find out how their spiral motions help explain the “baby boom” of star formation shortly after the Big Bang.

Lunar Meteorites Help Explain Moon’s Formation

Lunar meteorites are very rare rocks that scientists sometimes discover in Antarctica or deserts. Find out how a new study of the trace gases they contain has shed light on the origins of the moon and the Earth.

James Webb Space Telescope Photos are Spectacular

The James Webb Space Telescope revealed its first four images this week. Find out what these images depict and their signifcance in understanding the universe and humanity's place within it.

Planets with Water Aren’t Always Earth-Like

Planets with water are the main targets for scientists' search for life on other worlds. Find out how a new study shows that these planets can be very different from Earth.

Planetary Formation in the News

Planetary formation made the news in three different ways this week. Find out how surprising results from studies of a meteorite, a debris field and the planet Venus all shed new light on our own planet's deep history.

‘Black Widow’ Binary Star Found – Shortest Orbit Ever

Black widow binary stars consist of a neutron star consuming a nearby companion star. Find out how scientists used a new technique to find one of these rare systems, and why their discovery has two other unique characteristics.