Andrew May

Andrew May

Astrophysicist

Andrew May holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Manchester University, U.K. For 30 years, he worked in the academic, government and private sectors, before becoming a science writer where he has written for Fortean Times, How It Works, All About Space, BBC Science Focus, among others. He has also written a selection of books including Cosmic Impact and Astrobiology: The Search for Life Elsewhere in the Universe, published by Icon Books.

Latest articles by Andrew May

An artist's impression of the inside of a wormhole.

11 sci-fi concepts that are possible (in theory)

By Paul Sutter, Andrew May last updated

Some of the most common and unlikely sci-fi tropes could one day be science fact.

Space
An illustration of the James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope: Origins, design and mission objectives

By Andrew May last updated

Reference NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has launched and it's the most powerful in history, giving us the deepest ever view into our universe.

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Actor Rod Taylor tests his time machine in a still from the film 'The Time Machine', directed by George Pal, 1960.

A beginner's guide to time travel

By Andrew May, How It Works magazine last updated

Learn exactly how Einstein's theory of relativity works, and discover how there's nothing in science that says time travel is impossible.

Space
CERN ATLAS Experiment

CERN: Organization, experiments and facts

By Andrew May published

Reference Facts about the organization that built the atom smasher.

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Goldilocks zone

The Goldilocks zone: The place in a solar system that's just right

By Andrew May published

Reference Discover how finding this habitable zone is essential to uncovered life on other worlds

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CMS detector. Compact Muon Solenoid. Naeblys via Getty Images

What is the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment?

By Andrew May published

Reference Learn about the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, including its purpose, design and achievements.

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A computer-generated image of the ATLAS detector, complete with human figures to show its enormous scale. © CERN

What is the ATLAS experiment?

By Andrew May published

Reference Learn about the ATLAS experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, including its purpose, design and achievements.

Reference
Conceptual illustration of the Higgs particle being produced by colliding two protons_Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

What is the Higgs boson?

By Andrew May published

Reference A look at the "God particle" — its theoretical origins, its discovery in 2012, and its continuing significance.

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A warped clock meant to represent the grandfather paradox.

What is the grandfather paradox?

By Andrew May published

Reference An explanation of the grandfather paradox, and how it might be solved via the physics of time travel

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Diamonds

Diamonds: Formation, grading and other facts

By Andrew May published

Reference Diamonds are unique among gemstones, with intriguing physical properties and practical applications far beyond jewelry.

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There are many ways Einstein changed the world.

7 ways Einstein changed the world

By Andrew May, Daisy Dobrijevic published

We take a look at the ways Einstein changed the world and shaped how we see and interact with the universe, from lasers to understanding space and time.

Physics & Mathematics
A laser-induced fusion reaction taking place inside the world's biggest laser at the National Ignition Facility's target chamber.

The world's biggest laser: Function, fusion power and solving a supernova

By Andrew May published

Reference There’s a giant laser in California that’s all about space and national defence, but it’s not a sci-fi super-weapon – it’s an amazing research tool for scientists

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Time dilation refers to the idea that time is relative and passes at different rates for different observers, depending on certain factors.

What is time dilation?

By Andrew May published

Time dilation refers to the fact that time passes at different rates for different observers, depending on certain variables.

Space
This artist’s impression video shows the path of the star S2 as it passes very close to the supermassive "black hole" at the center of the Milky Way.

8 ways we know that black holes really do exist

By Andrew May published

Countdown Black holes may sound like science fiction, but there is significant evidence to prove they are real.

Countdown
Stephen Hawking in front of a screen

4 bizarre Stephen Hawking theories that turned out to be right (and 6 we're not sure about)

By Andrew May published

Countdown Some of Hawking's theories revolutionized the way we view the universe, but others still leave scientists scratching their heads.

Countdown
Sunrise over planet Earth.

Can we stop Earth from heating up?

By Andrew May, All About Space magazine published

A high-altitude balloon mission would investigate a controversial way to reduce global temperatures.

Planet Earth
Bubble universe, multiverse shown in this artist's conception.

10 wild theories about the universe

By Andrew May published

Why is the universe the way it is? Over the years, scientists have explored many ways to explain the cosmos, leading to some crazy-sounding ideas.

Cosmology
Space Situational Awareness program

How are asteroids, space weather and space debris detected before they hit Earth?

By Andrew May, How It Works magazine published

The European Space Agency’s Space Situational Awareness program is tackling the problem on three fronts.

Asteroids