Astronomy news, features and articles
Explore Astronomy
Latest about Astronomy
Enormous, mountain-size asteroid will be visible from Earth this weekend in rare 'once in a decade' event
By Brandon Specktor published
The enormous near-Earth asteroid (887) Alinda has made its closest approach to our planet in decades, and it's about to peak in brightness in a rare once-in-a-decade event. Here's how to watch it live this weekend.
X-class solar flares hit a new record in 2024 and could spike further this year — but the sun isn't entirely to blame, experts say
By Harry Baker published
There were significantly more X-class solar flares in 2024 than any other year for at least three decades. The arrival of solar maximum was a key reason for the spike, but other factors were also at play.
Mars at opposition: See the Red Planet at its best and brightest this week — or wait until 2027
By Jamie Carter last updated
As Mars approaches opposition this week, it will become a dazzling spectacle in the night sky. See it at its best now, or wait until 2027.
The full Wolf Moon rises tonight (Jan. 13). Here's how to watch it block Mars from the sky.
By Jamie Carter published
The Wolf Moon — the first full moon of the year and of winter in the Northern Hemisphere — rises tonight, but will be best seen on Jan. 14, shortly after it has occulted Mars.
Mars rock samples may contain evidence of alien life, but can NASA get them back to Earth?
By Patrick Pester published
NASA will explore two different strategies for fetching Mars rocks collected by the Perseverance rover, and there's a chance these samples contain evidence of alien life.
How to see 6 planets in 1 night all through January — and a bonus 7th planet in March
By Jamie Carter published
Worlds will align for a "planetary parade" in January, with four bright and easily visible to the naked eye. But an even better view arrives in February and March. Here's what you need to know.
Most of the atoms in your body left the Milky Way on a 'cosmic conveyor belt' long before you were born, new study reveals
By Harry Baker published
New research suggests that most of the atoms within the human body likely spent part of their lives drifting beyond the Milky Way on a cosmic "conveyor belt," before eventually returning to our galaxy.
Rare comet could shine bright as Venus as it falls toward the sun: What to expect from Comet ATLAS (C/2024) G3
By Jamie Carter published
Comet ATLAS (C/2024) G3 is set to dazzle Southern Hemisphere skywatchers in mid-January. Here’s everything you need to know about the 'New Year comet'.
James Webb telescope spies record-breaking hoard of stars hiding in a warped 'dragon' galaxy
By Harry Baker published
Photos from the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed more than 40 stars within the gravitationally lensed "Dragon Arc" galaxy, 6.5 billion light-years from Earth. It is the largest group of individually imaged stars ever seen at such a distance.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.