Earth's Place in the Universe

Planets
A shock to the solar system

Scientists suspect a nearby exploding star ignited the formation of the sun and planets.

By Stephen OrnesNovember 30, 2011
Science & Society
Introducing the 2011 Nobel Prize winners

Scientists in 2011 won for making unexpected discoveries about crystals, the human body and the universe.

By Stephen OrnesOctober 19, 2011
Planets
Double sunsets on a distant world

Astronomers discover for the first time a planet circling two stars.

By Stephen OrnesOctober 5, 2011
Space
Fireworks near the Big Dipper

Astronomers see a star as it explodes.

By Stephen OrnesSeptember 14, 2011
Planets
Possible new saltwater stains on Mars

Dark streaks that grow in spring, fade in winter may point to saltwater on the Red Planet.

By Stephen OrnesAugust 31, 2011
Space
How the outer sun gets so hot

Magnetic waves boost the corona to extreme temperatures.

By Stephen OrnesAugust 17, 2011
Space
Not seeing sunspots

Scientists predict a delay for the sun’s next cycle.

By Stephen OrnesJune 29, 2011
Space
The dark side of the universe

Most of the cosmos is invisible, but that doesn’t stop scientists from searching for it.

By Stephen OrnesApril 26, 2011
Space
A curious cosmic explosion

A bright blowup far, far away keeps astronomers guessing.

By Stephen OrnesApril 26, 2011
Physics
Planetary paparazzo

NASA satellite snaps historic photographs of Mercury.

By Stephen OrnesApril 20, 2011
Planets
The growing planetary family

At least 1,200 added to list of possible planets beyond the solar system.

By Stephen OrnesFebruary 17, 2011
Space
Dark galaxy

Astronomers have spied a massive galaxy that appears to contain no stars.

By Emily SohnFebruary 24, 2005

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