Testing Our Fundamental Assumptions
A series of recent studies explore the possibility of using transient astrophysical sources to test fundamental physics.
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Clues From Pluto’s Ions
Recent results from the New Horizons Pluto flyby reveal interesting information about Pluto’s atmosphere and how the solar wind interacts with it.
A Comet’s Missing Light
On 28 November 2013, comet ISON passed within two solar radii of the Sun’s surface. But instead of shining in extreme ultraviolet light as predicted, ISON was never detected.
Building Halos by Digesting Satellites
Recent simulations have allowed scientists to examine the brutal process of building a galactic halo out of destroyed satellite galaxies.
Reconnection on the Sun
Recent observations have revealed how solar magnetic fields rearrange themselves, producing the tremendous releases of energy we observe as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
Discovery of Methanol in a Planetary Birthplace
A milestone ALMA discovery represents a first step in understanding the conditions for planet formation that can lead to life-supporting planets like Earth.
A New Way to Confirm Planet Candidates
What’s the punchline from yesterday’s Kepler press conference? Over a thousand new confirmed planets — and a new way to confirm them!
Giant Impacts on Earth-Like Worlds
A recent study examines whether our planet’s history of giant impacts is typical for Earth-like worlds.
Predicting Major Solar Eruptions
Can we predict which solar flares will be followed by larger-scale coronal mass ejections?
An Active Black Hole in a Compact Dwarf
There’s a new addition to the galaxy zoo: a small, compact, and old elliptical galaxy that shows signs of a monster black hole actively accreting material in its center.