Latest articles by Brandon Specktor
James Webb telescope spots a dozen newborn stars spewing gas in the same direction — and nobody is sure why
The James Webb telescope has spotted a peculiar group of baby stars firing enormous jets into space at nearly the exact same angle. The discovery could hold new insights into how stars are born.
5 space discoveries that scientists are struggling to explain
From "runaway" black holes shooting across the cosmos to secret planets in our own backyard, space is overrun with mysterious objects that scientists are clamoring to explain. Here are five of the strangest sights in the universe, as well as their possible origins.
LIFTOFF! Boeing Starliner carries 2 astronauts to space in 'final test' for NASA (watch live)
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully carried two NASA astronauts to space today (June 5) in the final test of the spacecraft's capabilities. Starliner is bound for the International Space Station.
James Webb telescope discovers earliest galaxy in the known universe — and its shockingly big
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected the two earliest, most distant galaxies in the known universe, dating to just 300 million years after the Big Bang. The detection of even earlier galaxies is likely to follow.
James Webb telescope sees 'birth' of 3 of the universe's earliest galaxies in world-1st observations
The James Webb Space Telescope may have spotted the birth of some of the earliest galaxies in the universe for the first time ever, new research hints.
32 stunning photos of auroras seen from space
Auroras (also called the northern and southern lights) are visible from the ground after powerful solar storms, but these natural light shows look even more majestic from above. Here are 32 spectacular photos of auroras taken from space.
James Webb telescope spots 2 monster black holes merging at the dawn of time, challenging our understanding of the universe
New observations with the James Webb Space Telescope reveal the most distant pair of merging black holes ever spotted. The discovery further challenges leading theories of cosmology.
Sun launches strongest solar flare of current cycle in monster X8.7-class eruption
The strongest solar flare in half a decade just launched off the sun from the same sunspot group that triggered dazzling auroras last weekend. But don't expect northern lights this time around.
Space photo of the week: A planet-size explosion rocks the sun's 'mossy' corona
Coronal moss grows, solar rain falls and plasma eruptions rear their gargantuan heads in this fiery landscape of the sun's outer atmosphere, taken by ESA's Solar Orbiter.
No, the James Webb Space Telescope probably didn't detect signs of alien life — but it soon could
The James Webb Space Telescope's possible detection of biological chemicals on the exoplanet K2-18b may just have been methane gas, a new study cautions. Planned follow-up observations could solve the mystery for good.
Space photo of the week: NASA spots enormous pink 'flames' during total solar eclipse. What are they?
Fiery pink towers could be seen erupting from the sun during the total solar eclipse on April 8. What are they?
Why I watched the solar eclipse with my kids, a goose and 2,000 trees
A solar eclipse viewing party at Canada's Royal Botanical Gardens peaked with a 90-second totality that blew minds and moved hearts. Also, there were geese.
Where to get solar eclipse glasses last minute
It may not be too late to get last minute solar eclipse glasses for today, depending on your location.
April 8 total solar eclipse: Everything you need to know
A total solar eclipse will be visible to millions of people in North America today. Here's everything you need to know about where, when, and how to view the 2024 solar eclipse.
2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8
These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).
13 billion-year-old 'streams of stars' discovered near Milky Way's center may be earliest building blocks of our galaxy
Two gargantuan structures discovered near our galaxy's ancient heart may be some of the earliest building blocks of the Milky Way. Researchers have named them Shiva and Shakti.
Spring equinox 2024: 'Equal night' brings the first full day of spring to the Northern Hemisphere
The Spring equinox (March 19, 2024) signals the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, and a rare moment of "equal night" across the world.
SLIM lives! Japan's moon lander revives after freezing lunar night, defying expectations
After enduring two weeks in the freezing lunar night, Japan's SLIM moon lander awoke long enough to snap some new pictures and communicate with researchers on Earth.
What is a solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses are some of nature's most dramatic celestial performances. Here's a look at the science behind the eclipse, and how to watch the next one on April 8, 2024.
5 beguiling heart-shaped objects found in space
From a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid to a pair of galaxies unable to quell their attraction, here are five of the most beautiful heart-shaped objects seen in space.
More than 900,000 stars, galaxies and black holes revealed in most detailed X-ray map of the universe ever
Scientists using the eROSITA X-ray telescope have released a trove of data that reveals more than 900,000 objects in space, including 700,000 supermassive black holes and other 'exotic' objects.
Ingenuity helicopter's final images reveal fatal rotor damage that brought it down on Mars
The latest photos from NASA's immobile Ingenuity Mars helicopter reveal the extent of the rotor blade damage it sustained on its fateful 72nd flight.
NASA's historic Ingenuity helicopter ends its 3-year Mars mission, suffering rotor damage on 72nd flight
NASA's Ingeunity helicopter has finally ended its three-year mission on Mars after sustaining irreparable rotor damage on its 72nd flight over the Red Planet. It was only designed to fly five times.
