The unique geological landscape of our Solar System reveals fascinating truths about the celestial bodies within it. Among these, Earth and Mars stand out as the only two rocky planets boasting moons. While Earth’s Moon is widely believed to have formed from a colossal impact with a protoplanet named Theia, the origins of Mars’ two
Space
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant remnant of a supernova, the Crab Pulsar stands as one of the most intriguing celestial phenomena known to humanity. Situated approximately 6,200 light-years from Earth, this neutron star emits a peculiar radio signal that has fascinated astronomers since its discovery in the 1960s. Among its most profound mysteries
Each day, Earth is showered with cosmic rays—high-energy particles from outer space that span a vast range of energy levels. While much remains uncertain about their origins, recent breakthroughs in observational astrophysics are helping scientists shed light on these elusive entities. In a significant stride forward, researchers at the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) Observatory
Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, presents an intriguing anomaly within our Solar System. Unlike Earth and its neighbors, which adhere to a relatively standard orientation of axial tilt, Uranus’ axis stands nearly parallel to its orbital plane, tilted at a startling 98 degrees. This extreme inclination suggests that an ancient cataclysmic event may
The exploration of Mars has long captivated scientists and space enthusiasts alike, drawn by the tantalizing evidence suggesting that our neighboring planet may have once harbored vast bodies of water. As robotic rovers traverse its barren surface, they reveal remnants that hint at a time when lakes and oceans flourished. A breakthrough discovery involving the
Asteroid 99942 Apophis, named after the ancient Egyptian god of chaos and darkness, has garnered significant attention from the scientific community and the public alike. Since its discovery in 2004, Apophis has been a source of both curiosity and anxiety due to initial projections that suggested the potential for a collision with Earth. However, subsequent
The Voyager program, initiated by NASA in the 1970s, represents one of humanity’s most ambitious explorations of the cosmos. Voyager 1, launched in 1977, has journeyed through the solar system and into interstellar space, becoming the most distant human-made object. Its primary missions involved studying the outer planets, but the spacecraft now represents our connection
In a remarkable turn of events, NASA’s Curiosity rover has revealed a striking new aspect of Mars’ geological composition. The serendipitous cracking of an inconspicuous rock on the Martian surface has unveiled vibrant yellow crystals of pure elemental sulfur. This unexpected discovery occurred in May when Curiosity, with its impressive weight of 899 kilograms (1,982
In a significant breakthrough on lunar studies, researchers have dispelled the whimsical notion that the Moon is made of green cheese. A comprehensive investigation concluded in May 2023, revealing the Moon’s inner core as a solid entity, mirroring the density of iron. This landmark discovery, spearheaded by astronomer Arthur Briaud from the French National Centre
In an extraordinary feat of astronomical observation, scientists have captured the first detailed portrait of WOH G64, a colossal red supergiant star residing in the Large Magellanic Cloud, which is a dwarf galaxy neighboring our own Milky Way. This newly-acquired image marks a pivotal achievement in the field of astrophysics, enabling researchers to study a
Astrophysicists have made notable strides in measuring the metallic content of stars, leading to significant insights into the evolution of astronomical bodies and their elements. This burgeoning field of research is revealing the complexities of stellar chemistry, particularly in stars that share a common origin, often referred to as co-natal stars. Recent investigations indicate that
Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity has long served as a cornerstone in our understanding of the universe, describing the gravitational interactions amongst celestial bodies. Recent advancements in astronomical techniques confirm that this theory remains valid even at vast cosmological scales. A groundbreaking study led by a dedicated team of astronomers has meticulously charted the