Scientists Detect Rare Type of Wood Alcohol in Space
As part of the ALMA COMPASS Large program, an international research team has detected a rare form of methanol in space for the first time.
2026-10 月度归档
NASA to Help Unlock Mysteries of Mars’ Moons in Upcoming Mission
NASA is playing an important role in JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) MMX (Martian Moons eXploration) mission, to advance our understanding of Mars’ moons and build on the agency’s long history of exploring the Red Planet. The mission aims to characterize and determine the origin of Mars’ moons Phobos and Deimos and deliver a sample […]
NASA Satellites Observe Historic 2026 El Niño
A phenomenon rarer than a solar eclipse and more powerful than any single storm system is unfolding this fall, and NASA is tracking it closely. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that emerges roughly every two to seven years marked by warmer-than-normal water temperatures in parts of the equatorial Pacific. NASA scientists are keeping […]
Power Up: Roll Out Solar Arrays Boost Space Station Power Supply
From the International Space Station’s unique position 250 miles above Earth, the Sun is a vital source of energy. Solar power supports the station’s life support systems, daily activities, and hundreds of research investigations that improve life on Earth and prepare humans for deep space exploration. Over the past five years, NASA augmented the station’s […]
Host Stars Shape Their Planetary Systems Into Two Families
New research draws a link between a host star and the characteristics of its planetary system. Higher mass stars create one family of systems, while lower mass stars create another. These results provide a new, more detailed template for understanding exoplanet systems.
NASA to Conduct Low-Altitude Flights Over Texas Farmland
A NASA Dynamic Aviation A200 aircraft will conduct low-flying research flights over farmland near Transit, Texas, from Thursday, Oct. 22, through Monday, Nov. 9. These flights will measure gaseous and particulate emissions from animal feeding operations. Agricultural emissions represent an important and understudied part of Earth’s land and atmosphere systems. The FarmFlux mission will deploy […]
NASA Welcomes All Ages, Experience Levels for Space Apps Challenge
Registration is open for the 2026 NASA Space Apps Challenge, a two-day global event on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15, where teams work to create solutions inspired by NASA’s most ambitious exploration goals and making use of the agency’s free and open data. The annual challenge, often called a hackathon, is an intensive, […]
NASA Awards Enable Research, Technology to Build Future Workforce
NASA has selected 12 U.S. institutions to receive $12 million to accelerate academic research and technology development in support of the agency’s priorities for exploring the Moon, Mars, and deep space. Through NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M‑STAR) initiative, selected institutions will each receive up to $1 million […]
Rigorous Analysis Confirms NASA’s Artemis II Heat Shield Performance
NASA’s Artemis II mission sent four astronauts around the Moon and brought them safely back to Earth, laying a foundation for crewed flights to the Moon’s surface. Additional engineering data analysis of the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield confirmed initial data showing the heat shield performed as expected. In particular, NASA measured whether the thermal protection […]
Orionid, Taurid Meteors Haunt October Skies
Fall meteor season has begun. Late October not only sees dusk falling ever earlier as ghouls and goblins walk the Earth on Halloween, but it also sees the peak of two fine annual meteor showers kicking off Halloween season: the Orionid and Taurid meteor showers.
Chandra Finds Possible Origin of 'Treble Clef' Waves
Astronomers have used NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to break down the cause of a remarkable formation of radio waves they have nicknamed the “Treble Clef” because its distinct shape strongly resembles the musical symbol.
Chandra Finds Possible Origin of ‘Treble Clef’ Waves
A formation of radio waves looks remarkably like a treble clef in this Oct. 14, 2026, image from NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Researchers used Chandra to find that the Treble Clef is likely caused by an outburst from a supermassive black hole, followed by a collision of two galaxy clusters. Read more about this discovery. […]
SPHEREx Just Took the Fingerprints of Failed Stars Across Our Cosmic Neighborhood
Brown dwarfs are the black (or brown?) sheep of astronomy. They’re too big to be considered a traditional gas planet, but they are too small to have started nuclear fusion and made the full transition to star-hood. They also change dramatically over time, cooling, shrinking, and spinning faster as they age. Or at least we think they do - our models of the atmospheres of these celestial objects aren’t the best, according to a new paper in The Astrophysical Journal Letters by a team led by Zafar Rustamkulov at Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Oct. 15, 1997: Cassini-Huygens launches
At 4:43 A.M. on Oct. 15, 1997, the staccato crackle of the Titan IVB/Centaur’s two side-mounted solid rocket boosters shattered the predawn gloom. Pushing Cassini-Huygens off the pad with a thrust of 3.4 million pounds (1.5 million kilograms), their bright glare turned night into day (and set off numerous car alarms) above a sleeping Florida. Continue reading "Oct. 15, 1997: Cassini-Huygens launches" The post Oct. 15, 1997: Cassini-Huygens launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Planetary systems fall into 2 distinct families, astronomers say
Astronomers studying planetary systems in the Milky Way have found they can be sorted into 2 families. These families are largely determined by the host star. The post Planetary systems fall into 2 distinct families, astronomers say first appeared on EarthSky .
What star in the northeast flashes colorfully? It’s Capella!
If you're in Earth's Northern Hemisphere and see a bright star twinkling with red, green and blue flashes low in the northeast on October evenings, it's probably Capella. See charts here! The post What star in the northeast flashes colorfully? It’s Capella! first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Thursday, October 15: Double crater Messier
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 14: Io covers Callisto An hour after sunset this evening, you’ll find the waxing crescent Moon low in the southwest, hanging above the back of Scorpius and just off the spout of Sagittarius’ Teapot. Zoom in with a telescope on Mare Continue reading "The Sky Today on Thursday, October 15: Double crater Messier" The post The Sky Today on Thursday, October 15: Double crater Messier appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 15 – The Milky Way over Manhattan
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 15 – The… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. The Milky […]
Fires Arrive in the Amazon Rainforest
During El Niño, a cascade of fires across the tropics begins in equatorial Asia and continues in the central and eastern Amazon.
Lyman continuum escape during the onset of galactic winds in compact starbursts
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 15 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02999-z UV spectra of six similar galaxies show that stronger, faster, multiphase outflows accompany lower escape of ionizing radiation. Thus Lyman continuum escape may peak before strong galactic winds develop and then decline as the wind-column density grows.
NASA to Host News Conference Previewing US Spacewalks 100, 101
NASA will preview two upcoming spacewalks to complete solar array installation and power augmentation of the International Space Station during a news conference at 2 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, Oct. 20, from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA will stream the event through a variety of platforms. Learn where to watch online: https://www.nasa.gov/live NASA participants […]
The Perseverance Rover Reaches Another Milestone
NASA's Perseverance Rover has reached another milestone. It now holds the record for the longest distance travelled on another world, meaning Mars and Earth's Moon. It's all thanks the ingenuity behind AutoNav, it's hazard-detection driving system. It's a win for science, as more distance travelled means more scientific objectives are reached.
NASA Astronauts to Answer Questions from Florida Students
Students in Florida will hear from NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney as they answer prerecorded STEM questions while aboard the International Space Station. The Earth-to-space call will begin at 12 p.m. EDT Friday, Oct. 16, and will stream live on the agency’s Learn With NASA YouTube channel. This event is hosted by Sally Ride Elementary School […]
NASA’s Chandra Breaks Down ‘Treble Clef’s’ Galaxy Cluster Collision
Astronomers have used NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to break down the cause of a remarkable formation of radio waves they have nicknamed the “Treble Clef” because its distinct shape strongly resembles the musical symbol. The researchers discovered the Treble Clef is likely caused by an outburst from a supermassive black hole, followed by a collision […]
Astronomers Observe The Limb Darkening Effect On Nearby Stars
The edge of the Sun appears darker than its central region. This effect is known as limb darkening and tells us about the solar atmosphere. This same limb darkening effect has now been observed on several nearby stars and could help us improve our understanding of stellar atmospheres.
Astronomers Uncover More Intriguing Detail in an Ancient Supernova Remnant
When a supernova exploded in 1181, Chinese and Japanese sky-watchers recorded it. They couldn't have known what the object was, and why it appeared for six months then disappeared. But in our modern times, we know it was a supernova, and we've even, most likely, found its remnant. New observations reveal more detail than ever in the unusual and rare supernova remnant.
NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35 Launch Jellyfish
The exhaust plumes of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’s Dragon spacecraft are seen illuminated by sunlight against the predawn sky during the launch of NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35 mission, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, as seen from Cocoa Beach, Florida. The light makes the plumes look like a jellyfish in the sky.
NASA’s Space X CRS-35 Launch Jellyfish
Sunlight illuminates the exhaust plumes of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’s Dragon spacecraft on Oct. 13, 2026. This visual phenomenon is known as a “jellyfish”; it happens near sunrise or sunset when the exhaust plume from the rocket becomes brightly illuminated, creating a glowing shape resembling a jellyfish. The mission lifted off […]
Chandrasekhar Placed A Limit On White Dwarfs, But A New Study Finds This Limit Is Not Absolute
The Chandrasekhar limit states that a white dwarf can be no larger than 1.4 solar masses. A new study demonstrates how highly magnetized white dwarfs could overcome that limit, and how such super-Chandrasekhar white dwarfs could form.
NASA Develops Batteries to Power Humanity’s Return to Moon
If you’ve ever had your car start sluggishly, or not at all, on a particularly frigid winter morning, you know standard batteries do not like extreme cold. That’s why NASA researchers are working to develop a battery that could function in the brutal cold of the Moon’s South Pole, where nighttime temperatures plunge to minus […]
Curiosity Greets a Spectacular Dawn Sky on Mars
Mars is a planetary geologist’s paradise. NASA’s Curiosity rover drove that home recently, with a captivating panorama seen from the slopes of Mount Sharp. The image shows a stunning vista, and was not white-balance adjusted during processing, to show just what a viewer might really see at sunrise standing of Mars.
NASA to Discuss Artemis Acceleration, Status of Upcoming Moon Missions
NASA will provide an update on its plans to return American astronauts to the surface of the Moon by 2028 at 2 p.m. EDT, Friday, Oct. 23, at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Learn where to watch online: https://www.nasa.gov/live Participants in the briefing include: The update will include details about NASA’s Artemis III […]
Oct. 14, 1947: Flying faster than sound
When Glamorous Glennis, an experimental Bell X-1 aircraft built to mimic the shape of a .50 caliber bullet, shot to 700 mph (1,127 km/h) with Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager inside, it paved the way for Americans to one day travel to space. On Oct. 14, 1947, the X-1 was launched from the bomb bay Continue reading "Oct. 14, 1947: Flying faster than sound" The post Oct. 14, 1947: Flying faster than sound appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
A Trip to Mars Could Break Your Heart - Literally
When astronauts first travel to Mars, or anywhere else in deep space, they will have to contend with two problems that our planet itself protects us from on its surface - radiation and weightlessness. Scientists already know both can have a profound impact on the human body, but just how much of one, and how long that impact can last, remain a mystery. A new paper by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and published in PLoS One, tackles those questions, and unfortunately comes up with some less than ideal answers in terms of the long term implications of deep space exposure.
Best deep-sky photos of September 2026 from EarthSky community
Enjoy this gallery of deep-sky photos from September 2026 by our EarthSky community. If you have a great photo to share, we'd love to see it! The post Best deep-sky photos of September 2026 from EarthSky community first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 14: Io covers Callisto
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 13: Vesta at opposition Observers in the U.S. Midwest and farther west have a great opportunity this morning to watch one Galilean moon pass in front of another. Io crosses in front of Callisto, occulting it from our point of view Continue reading "The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 14: Io covers Callisto" The post The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 14: Io covers Callisto appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Proxima Centauri is the closest star to our sun
Proxima Centauri is the nearest star to our sun at 4.22 light-years away. It's home to at least 3 planets and has massive solar flares. The post Proxima Centauri is the closest star to our sun first appeared on EarthSky .
APOD: 2026 October 14 – Mars and the Beehive Under an Aurora
What a cosmic coincidence! In today’s image, Mars joins the Beehive cluster below an auroral curtain and above a horizon of happy little trees near Lansjärv, Sweden.
Hurricane Simon Lurks Off the Mexican Coast
Though it remained offshore, the storm lashed coastal areas with high winds and flooding—and produced remarkable rippling patterns in the upper atmosphere.
Oct. 13, 1773: The discovery of the Whirlpool Galaxy
On Oct. 13, 1773, Charles Messier spotted the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) for the first time. Writing of it a few months later, he described the object as a “very faint nebula without any stars”; it would become the 51st entry in his famous catalog of non-comets. In 1781, Messier’s friend and fellow astronomer Pierre Mechain Continue reading "Oct. 13, 1773: The discovery of the Whirlpool Galaxy" The post Oct. 13, 1773: The discovery of the Whirlpool Galaxy appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
A spatial map of the atmospheric limb of a hot Jupiter
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 14 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02986-4 A new method of extracting atmospheric variations around the limb of a hot Jupiter using transmission mapping of JWST data finds a transition between the equator and pole of WASP-17 b. The authors measure a 650 K temperature difference between the morning and evening and find H2O and CO2 limb abundances consistent with circulation models.
New Data from the Juno Spacecraft Reveals that Jupiter's Has a Rippling, Wavy Magnetodisk
Using observations from NASA's Juno spacecraft, an international team led by Shandong University shows that Jupiter's magnetodisk is a rippling structure that rotates with the planet, contrary to what scientists previously thought.
Hypernovae May Be All Hype, No Nova
Astrophysicists think that hypernovae are the most powerful stellar explosions in the Universe. They're the most explosive type of core-collapse supernova. But the evidence for them is not voluminous, and new research pokes holes in it, pointing out that hypernovae may not actually exist.
Organization Release: NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory Welcomes Local Community to Tohono O’odham Nation Open Night
More than 90 NSF NOIRLab volunteers welcomed visitors from the Tohono O’odham Nation to NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory to enjoy an evening of cultural performances and educational activities.
NASA Names Astronaut Christina Koch Acting Deputy Chief Engineer
NASA engineer and astronaut Christina Koch will serve as the agency’s acting deputy chief engineer beginning on Sunday, Nov. 1, following the retirement of Katherine Van Hooser, who will conclude more than 35 years of distinguished service to the agency on Wednesday, Oct. 21. In her new role, Koch will help lead NASA’s engineering community, […]
Comparing Off-World Rover Driving Distances
Description This infographic illustrates the distances driven by various rovers on the surface of Earth’s Moon and Mars. Of the vehicles shown, the NASA Mars rovers Perseverance and Curiosity are still operational and moving across the surface; the figures shown for those two are distances driven as of Oct. 11, 2026. As of that date, […]
Transporter-18 SmallSats Encapsulation
Three NASA-supported small spacecraft, shown along with many commercial payloads, before being encapsulated in a SpaceX Falcon 9. The rocket launched the payloads into low-Earth orbit at 11:32 a.m. PDT Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, as part of the company’s Transporter-18 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
NASA’s Record-Setting Perseverance Rover Team
Description Members of NASA’s Perseverance Mars mission team gather in the Mars Yard at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California with a certificate from Guinness World Records marking the rover distance record on the Red Planet. Positioned in front of the team is OPTIMISM (Operational Perseverance Twin for Integration of Mechanisms and Instruments […]
Perseverance Navcam Image Marks Record Drive
Description Rover tracks and a rocky Martian landscape are shown in this image captured by one of the navigation cameras (navcams) aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover on Oct. 11, 2026, the 2,006th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. During that sol’s drive, spanning 299.6 feet (91.31 meters), the mission passed a major milestone: pushing Perseverance’s total […]
Transporter-18 SmallSats Encapsulation
Three NASA-supported small spacecraft, along with many commercial payloads, are shown before being encapsulated in a SpaceX Falcon 9 ahead of launch on Oct. 1, 2026. The ASCENT Propulsion Dual Mode CubeSat, the Supernova Remnants and Proxies for ReIonization Testbed Experiment (SPRITE) CubeSat, and the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission will demonstrate […]
JOB OPPORTUNITIES: NASA OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
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Voyager Technologies’ Griffin-1 Completes Environmental Testing at NASA JPL
Description A lunar lander from Voyager Technologies completed nearly three months of environmental testing at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California in late September 2026. The tests demonstrate that the spacecraft is prepared to face the harsh conditions of launch, its journey to the Moon, and landing on the surface. Its final trial was […]
A Red Dwarf is Taking its Time Eating a Brown Dwarf
Astronomers detected an unusual triangular light curve about 300 light years away. They were searching for Black Widow Binaries, where a dense neutron star eats its companion. But they found something different: an M dwarf slowly eating its binary companion brown dwarf.
ESA's Hera Mission Targets Binary Asteroid Pair in November
In just one more month, the European Space Agency’s Hera mission will make history. Moving at 12 kilometers per second versus Earth, the mission is about to rendezvous with the binary Dimorphos-Didymos asteroid pair. NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission slammed into Dimorphos in 2022, and now Hera will provide a follow up view of the mission’s resulting handiwork. The European Space Agency (ESA) recently released a thought-provoking look at the perspectives of Hera, and what an astronaut might see from the surface of the asteroids as the mission speeds by.
TB 26-08 Complex Modes in Lightly Damped Structural Systems: A Two-Mode Interaction Perspective
For more information, contact Joel W. Sills, Langley Research Center, [email protected] Download the PDF version Complex mode shapes can emerge in a linear structure even when overall damping is low. This behavior can occur when two structural modes are closely spaced in frequency and are coupled through nonproportional damping. As the damping interaction increases, the […]
Distant NGC 3137 reveals clues about our own galaxy
Glittering star clusters and ruby-colored emission nebulae pepper the star-studded spiral arms of NGC 3137. The galaxy, which spans nearly 140,000 light-years, spills out of this Hubble image’s frame. The nebulae are stellar nurseries, glowing with emission from hydrogen atoms excited by the massive stars forming inside. The bluish star clusters represent the next stage Continue reading "Distant NGC 3137 reveals clues about our own galaxy" The post Distant NGC 3137 reveals clues about our own galaxy appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Thrown for a loop
Ionut Nedelcu from Central Bedfordshire, England The Cygnus Loop (Sharpless 2-103), a supernova remnant whose brightest arcs form the Veil Nebula, lies about 2,400 light-years away. Its glowing filaments trace gas heated by the blast wave of a massive star that exploded roughly 10,000 years ago. The imager took 17 hours of exposure in Hα/OIII/RGB Continue reading "Thrown for a loop" The post Thrown for a loop appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Our 16th annual star products
Each year, new astronomy equipment reflects advances in technology and the evolving ways observers engage with the night sky. Traditional designs such as Dobsonian reflectors and apochromatic refractors continue to deliver dependable performance, while smart telescopes and integrated imaging systems are expanding access to astrophotography. Portability remains a central theme, as compact optical tubes, lightweight Continue reading "Our 16th annual star products" The post Our 16th annual star products appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Did you see a strange cloud on the East Coast?
Many people up before sunrise on Tuesday morning saw a strange cloud. It was the plume from a SpaceX rocket headed for the space station. The post Did you see a strange cloud on the East Coast? first appeared on EarthSky .
NASA JPL Testing Readies Voyager Technologies Lander for Moon Mission
A commercial lander that will be at the forefront of NASA’s efforts to establish a Moon Base, humanity’s first lunar outpost, has passed a series of critical tests at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The tests simulated the extreme temperatures and vacuum of space, as well as the intense shaking and ear-splitting […]
Tiny Gold Nanogaps Could Crack the Chirality Puzzle
Looking for biosignatures across the solar system requires looking for asymmetry. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are famously either “left-handed” (L) or “right-handed” (D). We know abiotic processes (i.e. those that create amino acids but don’t involve life) create a 50/50 mixture of the two types, which is called a racemic mixture. But life as we know it almost exclusively relies on left-handed amino acids to fold proteins and right-handed ones to construct nucleic acids. So if we find an imbalance in the types of amino acids we analyze from somewhere in the solar system, it's a good indication that life is behind that imbalance. Differentiating between the two “chiralities”, as they’re called, is possible, but typically requires advanced equipment and chemical disposables that make them burdensome for spaceflight applications. But a new paper in Nature Communications from researchers led by Takahito Ohshiro and Masateru Taniguchi of Osaka University offers an alternative - a solid-state quantum tunneling sensor that can read the chirality of a single amino acid molecule using basically just some gold wire.
Mars moon lander set to launch on 19 October
The Martian Moons eXploration ( MMX ) mission is set to launch into space on a H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center at 04:41 JST on 20 October 2026 (20:41 BST / 21:41 CEST on 19 October 2026). MMX will be the first mission to collect a sample from Mars’s moon Phobos and bring it back to Earth. MMX is led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the French space agency (CNES), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars sets off-world driving record
The Mars Perseverance rover has set a new distance record on Mars. It has driven 28.10 miles (45.22 km) across the surface of the red planet. The post NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars sets off-world driving record first appeared on EarthSky .
Weirdest cloud on Mars formed via ‘exotic physics’
The weirdest cloud on Mars has a funny-sounding name. Scientists call it the Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud. Come find out what's weird about it! The post Weirdest cloud on Mars formed via ‘exotic physics’ first appeared on EarthSky .
NASA Science, Cargo Launch on 35th SpaceX Resupply Mission to Station
NASA’s SpaceX 35th commercial resupply mission lifted off at 6:33 a.m. EDT Tuesday aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying more than 6,300 pounds of supplies and hardware, bound for the International Space Station. Following its successful launch, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will […]
Meet Aquarius the Water Bearer and its stars
Aquarius lies in a “watery” part of the sky, near Pisces the Fish, Cetus the Whale, Eridanus the River and Piscis Austrinus the Southern Fish. The post Meet Aquarius the Water Bearer and its stars first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Tuesday, October 13: Vesta at opposition
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 12: Mercury at greatest elongation Asteroid 4 Vesta reaches opposition at 2 A.M. EDT. Shining at magnitude 6.5, it’s an easy catch, even under somewhat light-polluted skies.  While at opposition, objects are visible all night long. The best time to observe Continue reading "The Sky Today on Tuesday, October 13: Vesta at opposition" The post The Sky Today on Tuesday, October 13: Vesta at opposition appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
A ∧-like metallicity profile in the disk of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 13 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02996-2 N-body simulations decode the chemo-kinematic signatures of the Sagittarius stream, reproducing their vertical metallicity gradient. The findings reveal that the stream originated from a disk with a ∧-like metallicity profile.
Two families of multi-planet systems with distinct architectures and stellar hosts
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 13 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02990-8 Archival data show a pronounced bimodality in the architectures of known multi-planet systems that can be traced back to the interplay of host star properties and planet formation histories, which shaped the post-formation dynamical stability of the systems.
Hubble Spots a Suspected Second-Generation Planet
Diligent sleuthing by astronomers has broken open a cold case in the data archive of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. In a study published Monday in Nature Astronomy, researchers report uncovering a surprising chemical clue that indicates the white dwarf star HS 0209+0832 may host a second-generation planet.
NASA’s SpaceX CRS-35 Mission to Launch Health Research
NASA experiments focused on human and plant health and drug-resistant organisms will travel to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s 35th Commercial Resupply Services mission for the agency from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, advancing research that benefits life on Earth and future exploration. This research supports astronaut health during long-duration missions through […]
Primordial Helium Further Confirms Our Understanding Of The Big Bang
Most helium in the Universe is primordial helium, formed during the Big Bang. But a fraction of helium was formed by long-dead stars. Distinguishing between the two allows astronomers to further confirm our observations of the Big Bang.
What can we learn from gravitational lensing?
What information is obtainable through gravitational lensing and how? Patrick A. CloughWichita, Kansas Gravitational lensing is the effect by which comparatively nearby objects, such as clusters of galaxies, can bend and focus the light of other objects that are more distant. Lensing is only possible because highly massive, and therefore gravitationally powerful, objects distort the space-time continuum around them. Continue reading "What can we learn from gravitational lensing?" The post What can we learn from gravitational lensing? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Oct. 12, 1964: Voshkod 1 sends the first crew to space
Voshkod 1 kicked off the second series of manned Soviet spaceflights, following the Vostok missions that had been the first to put humans in space. When the craft launched on Oct. 12, 1964, for its flight of just over 24 hours, it was the seventh crewed spaceflight for the Soviet Union — but the first Continue reading "Oct. 12, 1964: Voshkod 1 sends the first crew to space" The post Oct. 12, 1964: Voshkod 1 sends the first crew to space appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
How Will Water Flow on the Moon?
Growing fresh food on the Moon is going to be crucial if astronauts there are ever going to eat anything other than freeze-dried rations. Since husbanding animals on the lunar surface is…difficult (to put it mildly), most mission planners believe that plants are the solution. But we still don’t entirely understand how one of the most fundamental materials to plant growth, water, operates under partial gravity. A team of researchers, led by Karl Hasenstein of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and including John Kiss of the Florida Institute of Technology, and Christopher McKay of NASA’s Ames Research Center, recently published a paper in Microgravity Science and Technology that lays out the physics for how water behaves at lunar gravity.
Amazon wildfires hide another threat to the rainforest
Amazon wildfires are weakening the rainforest’s ability to absorb carbon, as ozone pollution damages trees that survive the flames. The post Amazon wildfires hide another threat to the rainforest first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Monday, October 12: Mercury at greatest elongation
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 11: Mars meets the Beehive Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation from the Sun at 6 A.M. EDT today, standing 25° from our star. The Moon then passes 2° south of Mercury at 4 P.M. EDT. Both are now in Libra.  Continue reading "The Sky Today on Monday, October 12: Mercury at greatest elongation" The post The Sky Today on Monday, October 12: Mercury at greatest elongation appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 12 – Jupiter and the Moons
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 12 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Jupiter and the […]
Antarctic Sea Ice Grows to Its 2026 Maximum
The ice reached its third-lowest maximum extent since satellite observations began.
Farewell NASA ADS
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-03009-y After more than 33 years, NASA’s Astrophysics Data System will close its virtual doors in November 2026 and be replaced by its much-expanded successor, Science Explorer. While the core functionality and astrophysics database will remain the same, SciX will extend its relevance to a broader range of scientists.
Transitioning from ADS to SciX to serve twenty-first century astronomy
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 12 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02997-1 For decades, the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) has been the foundational digital library for astronomy. As ADS now becomes the Science Explorer (SciX), the team prioritizes preserving this trusted experience while increasing their support for space and Earth sciences more broadly, without diluting its commitment to astrophysics.
Oct. 11, 1968: Apollo 7 launches
Twenty-one months after the deaths of the Apollo 1 crew in a fire during a test on the launchpad, the three men who had originally served as their backup crew — Walter Schirra Jr., Donn Eisele, and Walter Cunningham — flew on Apollo 7. The first manned American spaceflight since the accident, their mission was Continue reading "Oct. 11, 1968: Apollo 7 launches" The post Oct. 11, 1968: Apollo 7 launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Honda Wants to Put a Robotic Lab Assistant on Future Commercial Space Stations
As I’m writing this I’m able to stare out into my driveway at my trusty Honda Odyssey. Most of the public’s association with Honda is through their “mobility” products - i.e. their cars. But the company has an impressive track record of other technical achievements, not the least of which has been in robotics. Now, it’s teaming up with space infrastructure firm Redwire to develop an automated laboratory support system for use on future commercial space stations.
Arizona’s Chiricahua poised to become 64th US National Park
Chiricahua National Monument in the southeastern corner of Arizona is poised to become the U.S.'s 64th national park. Read more about it here. The post Arizona’s Chiricahua poised to become 64th US National Park first appeared on EarthSky .
Check out the Double Cluster in Perseus on October evenings
The Double Cluster in Perseus is a breathtaking pair of open star clusters, easy to see in October. Here's how to find it in your sky. The post Check out the Double Cluster in Perseus on October evenings first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Sunday, October 11: Mars meets the Beehive
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 10: Catch the zodiacal light Early risers can catch a stunning sight this morning as magnitude 1.1 Mars makes its way through the Beehive Cluster (M44) in central Cancer.  Rising around 1 A.M. local daylight time, Mars is already 30° high Continue reading "The Sky Today on Sunday, October 11: Mars meets the Beehive" The post The Sky Today on Sunday, October 11: Mars meets the Beehive appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 11 – Ice Fishing for Cosmic Neutrinos
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 11 – Ice… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Ice Fishing […]
The Preliminary Lunar Science Report for Artemis II is Out!
Through photographs, spoken observations, drawings, and annotations, the Artemis II crew created a unique scientific record—one that is now available to the science community and the public for further study. Explore highlights here, and find the full suite of reports and select data resources at the bottom of the page.
Astronomers Detect Potential ‘Second Generation’ Planet Around Dying Stellar White Dwarf
Potential ‘Second generation’ planet detection around a dying stellar white dwarf opens a whole new chapter of exoplanetary science.
Jove and Luna
Giovanni Passalacqua from Ragusa, Sicily, Italy A waning crescent Moon hangs less than 3° from Jupiter in western Leo before dawn on Oct. 6, 2026, hours before it occulted the planet for viewers in North America. All four Galilean moons flank Jupiter at lower left. The photographer shot a single 0.5-second exposure at f/6.3 and Continue reading "Jove and Luna" The post Jove and Luna appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
NASA to Conduct Flyover, Engage NFL Fans at MetLife Stadium
As part of the agency’s Inspiration Tour flyover, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will pilot one of three F-5 fighter jets to kick off the New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, Oct. 11. NASA team members will engage with fans at the agency’s Experience Zone, located at the […]
Oct. 10, 1846: The discovery of Triton
On Oct. 10, 1846, William Lassell peered through his 20-foot reflector in Liverpool, England. Lassell was a self-funded amateur astronomer who had made a fortune as a brewer, and he’d built his own scope – apparently doing quite a good job of it, since through it, Lassell spotted Triton orbiting Neptune. Neptune itself had been Continue reading "Oct. 10, 1846: The discovery of Triton" The post Oct. 10, 1846: The discovery of Triton appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
How Artemis 2’s tech will improve life on Earth
In the pursuit of space exploration, NASA has developed a number of innovations that today we depend on in our daily lives. Memory foam — the cushy, shock-absorbing material used in everything from furniture to medical equipment — was first invented in 1966 by NASA for use in test pilots’ cushions. In the 1990s, NASA’s Continue reading "How Artemis 2’s tech will improve life on Earth" The post How Artemis 2’s tech will improve life on Earth appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Stratospheric Balloon Telescope Peeks Above The Clouds At The Sun
There’s lots of things you can do with balloons. Children’s birthday parties come to mind, as do retirement parties. But you can also observe the Sun in unprecedented detail with one - or at least with a suite of equipment attached to a gondola floating beneath one. That’s what the SUNRISE III mission did back in 2024, and scientists have had time to compile a series of three scientific papers on the results from that mission, which have been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
The Sky Today on Saturday, October 10: Catch the zodiacal light
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column. October 9: Dense, ancient M30 New Moon occurs at 11:50 A.M. EDT. With extra-dark skies, you’ve got a chance to spot the zodiacal light in the early-morning hours, reaching up from the eastern horizon before dawn.  This faint glow is generated by Continue reading "The Sky Today on Saturday, October 10: Catch the zodiacal light" The post The Sky Today on Saturday, October 10: Catch the zodiacal light appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 10 – Lunar Farside
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 10… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Lunar Farside Explanation: Tidally […]
NASA Seeks US Industry Plans for Commercial Space Stations
NASA is advancing American leadership in space by taking the next step toward a future where commercial space stations lead the way in low Earth orbit. On Friday, the agency released its final Request for Proposals inviting industry to submit plans for the next generation of commercial space stations. “In alignment with the President’s National […]
Newly selected NASA mission will hunt for caves on the Moon
NASA has selected a mission proposal that will peer below a volcanic pit on the Moon to find out whether it opens onto a hidden lava tube — a geologic formation long theorized, but never confirmed on the Moon. The proposal will send a mission to the Marius Hills Pit, a large hole — approximately Continue reading "Newly selected NASA mission will hunt for caves on the Moon" The post Newly selected NASA mission will hunt for caves on the Moon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
The Most Distant FRB Tells The Story Of Its Origin
Astronomers use the Webb to study a distant fast radio burst and reveal clues as to the origin of these mysterious events.
NASA Demonstrates Next-Generation Heat Shield Technologies
NASA is testing heat shields that can keep astronauts safe as they return from missions to the Moon and Mars in an unusual way: by taking out the trash. When Northrop Grumman 24th cargo resupply mission for NASA undocked from the International Space Station, it carried a fleet of 12 small, experimental capsules designed to […]
Cosmic House of Mirrors
This NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope Picture of the Month features galaxies in incredible detail that have been warped and multiplied like they’ve stepped into a house of mirrors.
Cosmic House of Mirrors
Galaxies warp and multiply as if in a house of mirrors in this image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope released on Sept. 29, 2026. The brilliant golden galaxies seen here are part of a galaxy cluster called MACS J0454.1-0300. The orange galaxies bunched together on one side of the image, however, are not actually […]
Oct. 9, 1873: The birth of Karl Schwarzschild
Karl Schwarzschild was born Oct. 9, 1873 – just one day after his famous collaborator Ejnar Hertzsprung – and grew up in a Jewish family in Germany. Schwarzschild was considered a child prodigy, publishing a paper on celestial mechanics by age 16. He studied astronomy at the University of Strasbourg, then went on to receive Continue reading "Oct. 9, 1873: The birth of Karl Schwarzschild" The post Oct. 9, 1873: The birth of Karl Schwarzschild appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Another satellite breakup raises concerns about space junk
An inactive Soviet weather satellite has broken apart above Earth. The satellite breakup has added tens of debris fragments to an already crowded low-Earth orbit. The post Another satellite breakup raises concerns about space junk first appeared on EarthSky .
Did formaldehyde on ancient Mars help kickstart life?
Formaldehyde in the ancient rains on Mars might have provided crucial chemical reactions needed for life to begin on the red planet billions of years ago. The post Did formaldehyde on ancient Mars help kickstart life? first appeared on EarthSky .
Smile mission releases its stunning 1st aurora footage!
The Smile mission has shared its first footage of Earth's auroral oval at the North Pole, and it's a stunner! Read more about the mission here. The post Smile mission releases its stunning 1st aurora footage! first appeared on EarthSky .
Mercury is farthest from the sunset on October 12
The innermost planet, Mercury, will be 25 degrees from the sun at greatest elongation at 10 UTC on October 12. Look for it shortly after sunset. The post Mercury is farthest from the sunset on October 12 first appeared on EarthSky .
Why leaves change color in the autumn
Did you know the vivid colors of autumn leaves are there throughout spring and summer, but hidden? Here's why leaves change color in the fall. The post Why leaves change color in the autumn first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Friday, October 9: Dense, ancient M30
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 8: Perfectly placed Pallas Swimming high above the southern horizon after dark, Capricornus the Sea Goat is home to just one Messier object: M30. This compact globular cluster shines at magnitude 7.2 and is perfectly positioned for viewing with binoculars or Continue reading "The Sky Today on Friday, October 9: Dense, ancient M30" The post The Sky Today on Friday, October 9: Dense, ancient M30 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
A Student Finds Three Galaxies and Possibly Solves a Mystery
It's not too often that a high school student-turned undergraduate gets three galaxies named after him, especially ones that are breaking the rules of star formation. Julian Shapiro, an astrophysics student at the University of California, Berkeley, found strange dwarf galaxies in the vicinity of the large spiral M101 while doing research into their star formation rates as a high school student. They're now known as Shapiro I, II, and III. In the process, he's become an inspiration to other students who might be interested in astrophysical research.
The Sky This Week from October 9 to 16: Mars passes through the Beehive
Friday, October 9A few hours after sunset, turn toward the north to find the familiar W shape of Cassiopeia on its side, looking more like the number 3. To the upper left of this numeral is the target we’re aiming for tonight: open cluster M52.  This young grouping of stars covers almost a quarter of Continue reading "The Sky This Week from October 9 to 16: Mars passes through the Beehive" The post The Sky This Week from October 9 to 16: Mars passes through the Beehive appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 9 – Stickney Crater
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 9… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Stickney Crater Explanation: Stickney […]
Floodwaters Overwhelm Thailand
Heavy rains since mid-September have caused widespread flooding that has affected millions of people across the country.
Webb Observes "Extreme Debris Disks," Providing a Window into the Early Solar System
In the early history of our solar system, scientists theorize that a Mars-sized object called Theia smashed into the infant Earth, creating the Earth-Moon system. Using Webb, astronomers are studying young star systems to learn more about the early Solar System's evolution.
NASA Briefing to Highlight Contributions to Martian Moons Mission
Media are invited to join NASA for a media teleconference at 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday, Oct. 15, to preview the agency’s contributions to JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission. The mission is scheduled to launch from JAXA’s Tanegashima Space Center in Japan on Monday, Oct. 19 EDT (Tuesday, Oct. 20 JST). […]
Far-infrared telescope PRIMA advances toward 2033 launch
NASA has selected the far-infrared space telescope mission PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics) to move to the next stage in its development. PRIMA will be the first in a new mission class and help scientists learn more about the evolution of the universe. PRIMA will carry a 5.9-foot (1.8-meter) mirror, and NASA hopes to Continue reading "Far-infrared telescope PRIMA advances toward 2033 launch" The post Far-infrared telescope PRIMA advances toward 2033 launch appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
NASA Announces Bold Science Initiatives for America’s Golden Age Summit
NASA is launching two new science and technology initiatives to deepen scientific understanding and accelerate the innovation that will shape America’s future in space. The initiatives are announced in conjunction with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) “Golden Age Summit” in Washington on Thursday with top U.S. agency leaders. The programs […]
NASA’s SSPICY Mission to Demonstrate In-Space Inspection Technologies
A new NASA-supported spacecraft will get up close to satellites that are no longer in service, demonstrating technologies that could support future in-space repairs and reduce orbital debris. The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission launched Oct. 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission is a technology demonstration where an […]
Crew-12 Returns to Earth
The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft is seen as it lands with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev aboard in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Crew-12 Returns to Earth
The SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft is seen moments before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California in this Oct. 8, 2026, photograph. Aboard were NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 members NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The four spent […]
NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Sees Menagerie of Brown Dwarfs
NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) space telescope is shedding light on brown dwarfs, celestial objects that blur the line between stars and exoplanets. New findings published in The Astrophysical Journal show that these dark and cloudy worlds have chemically rich atmospheres not unlike the giant […]
Webb Measures Distance to Farthest Fast Radio Burst, Suggesting Origin
First discovered in 2007, fast radio bursts are enigmatic, millisecond-long flashes of radio emission from the distant universe. Their origin remains uncertain, particularly since most are seen once and never again. Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have pinpointed the host galaxy of the most distant fast radio burst (FRB) seen to date. Their […]
NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑12 Splashes Down, Sets Briefing to Discuss Mission
After more than seven months aboard the International Space Station, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission safely splashed down Thursday in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles. The crew members will discuss their science mission during a news conference at 3:30 p.m. EDT, Thursday, Oct. 15, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. […]
To Win A Nobel Prize, Go To The Ends Of The Earth
Neutrinos are persnickety particles. We couldn't really detect neutrinos from deep space until Francis Halzen had a brilliant, Nobel Prize-winning idea.
NASA, Energy Department Advance New Era of Nuclear-Powered Exploration
As the Golden Age of deep-space exploration begins, NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy are advancing the development of safe, reliable, next-generation nuclear technologies for space. Together, the agencies will supercharge civil space exploration, unlock bold scientific discovery, and solidify American leadership in space nuclear power and propulsion.  “We are entering the ‘Nuclear NASA-era,’ […]
NASA Advances LISA Mission Contributions With New Test Telescope
NASA has taken the next step in the process of developing a new all-glass telescope for the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission, a space observatory designed to detect ripples in space-time called gravitational waves. L3Harris Technologies will design, assemble, and integrate the new telescope for NASA. Called the Engineering Test Unit, this contribution represents […]
New view of 30 Doradus reveals messy workings
Translucent layers of light captured by three space telescopes overlap to build this composite of the Tarantula Nebula (30 Doradus) in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Diffuse clouds of blue X-ray light from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory mark hot gas blown off of young, massive stars that has been superheated by winds and shock waves. The Continue reading "New view of 30 Doradus reveals messy workings" The post New view of 30 Doradus reveals messy workings appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Oct. 8, 1873: The birth of Ejnar Hertzsprung
On Oct. 8, 1873, Ejnar Hertzsprung was born near Copenhagen, Denmark. His father had studied astronomy and worked in finance, and Hertzsprung himself showed interest in astronomy and math, but pursued a degree in chemical engineering. After graduating from the Polytechnical Institute in Copenhagen, he worked as a chemist in St. Petersburg, Russia, and went Continue reading "Oct. 8, 1873: The birth of Ejnar Hertzsprung" The post Oct. 8, 1873: The birth of Ejnar Hertzsprung appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Black holes could have planets, new simulations suggest
New simulations by 2 astrophysicists suggest that supermassive black holes could have planets orbiting them, much like planets orbit stars. The post Black holes could have planets, new simulations suggest first appeared on EarthSky .
Solar Orbiter tracks origin of mysterious magnetic switchbacks
The European Space Agency-led Solar Orbiter spacecraft has flown through an S-shaped kink known as a ‘switchback’ in the solar wind’s magnetic field. By fingerprinting the elusive particles within the switchback, Solar Orbiter has traced its origin back to the Sun’s surface and revealed more about solar magnetism – the unruly instigator of dangerous solar storms.
Hurricane Isaias is the 1st hurricane of the Atlantic season
Hurricane Isaias has become the 1st hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. It should bring dangerous storm surge to the Gulf Coast Friday and Saturday. The post Hurricane Isaias is the 1st hurricane of the Atlantic season first appeared on EarthSky .
Hera mission hits the brakes to arrive at asteroid
The Hera mission will hit the brakes Thursday as it slows down to reach Dimorphos. This asteroid is the site of a human-made impact in 2022. The post Hera mission hits the brakes to arrive at asteroid first appeared on EarthSky .
The ghost of Biela’s Comet: It created a storm and disappeared
November's Andromedid meteor shower is from the ghost of Biela’s Comet. It stunned observers in the 1800s, breaking up and producing meteor storms. The post The ghost of Biela’s Comet: It created a storm and disappeared first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Thursday, October 8: Perfectly placed Pallas
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 7: Titan passes north of Saturn Asteroid 2 Pallas recently reached opposition in Cetus the Whale. Let’s track it tonight using binoculars or any size telescope.  Although it’s highest around 1 A.M., Pallas is visible all night and has already reached Continue reading "The Sky Today on Thursday, October 8: Perfectly placed Pallas" The post The Sky Today on Thursday, October 8: Perfectly placed Pallas appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Martian dawn pic from Curiosity rover highlights cliffs and crags
On October 6, 2026, NASA released an image of Martian dawn from the Curiosity rover. The image captures a pale light illuminating distant cliffs and crags. The post Martian dawn pic from Curiosity rover highlights cliffs and crags first appeared on EarthSky .
APOD: 2026 October 8 – The Saturn System Smörgåsbord
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 8 – The… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. The Saturn […]
NASA Selects GIMLI to Search the Marius Lunar Pit for a Potential Lunar Base Site
NASA has selected a Planetary Science Institute-led proposal to investigate whether a potentially large underground cave extends beyond the opening of a lunar pit.
Fostering a culture of technology transfer in astrophysics
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 08 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02994-4 In Chile, the Center for Astrophysics and Associated Technologies has been working towards turning scientific investment into economic success for two decades, through the transfer of technology and techniques from astrophysics to industry. Many successful projects provide tangible examples of the real-world benefits of astronomy.
On the coronal origin of magnetic switchbacks in the solar wind
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 08 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02928-0 Solar Orbiter’s detection of the ion composition of a magnetic switchback reveals its origin in hot coronal loops, implicating interchange reconnection as the release mechanism of the solar wind plasma, where it then propagates as an Alfvén wave.
Reduced incidence of little red dots at z < 3 based on number density and halo mass evolution
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 08 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-03001-6 Little red dots evolve from under-dense regions at z > 4 to typical environments by z ≈ 3.5, while their halo and stellar masses surge by a factor of ten. This accounts for their scarcity at low redshifts and suggests a distinct evolutionary path for little red dots compared with other active galactic nuclei.
The formation of merging black holes via stable mass transfer in massive binary stars
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 08 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-03000-7 Detailed models for the complete evolution of mass-transferring binary stars produce merging black holes consistent with the observed masses and spins. Isolated binary evolution probably contributes to the observed gravitational-wave sources.
New Study Shows That Earth and Mars Had Different Origins
A surprising discovery suggests that Mars and Earth formed through different processes, which could help scientists confirm whether exoplanets are habitable.
NASA Sets Coverage for SpaceX 35th Station Resupply Launch, Arrival
NASA and SpaceX are targeting 6:33 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, Oct. 13, for the next launch to deliver science investigations, supplies, and equipment, including the final set of International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays, to the space station. This is the 35th SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the orbital complex for NASA. NASA also will […]
NASA’s SpaceX 35th Commercial Resupply Mission Overview
NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Tuesday, Oct. 13 to launch scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station.
NASA’s PRIMA Spacecraft (Artist’s Concept)
Description This artist’s concept depicts the proposed design for NASA’s PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA), which was selected by the agency in September 2026. The PRIMA observatory is the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions, called Probe Explorers, within the agency’s longstanding Explorers Program. By observing far-infrared light, PRIMA will enable scientists to study cosmic […]
NASA’s Curiosity Looks Back After Reaching Elevation Milestone
Description NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this view looking back at the floor of Gale Crater, with the crater’s rim visible in the distance, on Sept. 5, 2026, the 5,006th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Just nine days prior, on Aug. 26 (Sol 4,996), Curiosity set a mission milestone by reaching 1 kilometer […]
NASA’s Curiosity Captures Dawn Breaking on Wind-Carved Cliffs
Description NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this panorama of sunrise illuminating distant, wind-carved features called yardangs on Aug. 11, 2026, the 4,982nd Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Scientists are eager to learn more about how the yardang layer formed. Figure A is a crop zooming in on the distant yardangs. Since 2014, Curiosity […]
Artemis II Crew Moon Photo Annotations
A visualization of a dark Moon eclipsing the Sun is marked with handwritten notes in this April 6, 2026, screenshot from an Artemis II crew member's tablet.
Artemis II Crew Moon Photo Annotations
A visualization of a dark Moon eclipsing the Sun is marked with handwritten notes in this April 6, 2026, screenshot from an Artemis II crew member’s tablet. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (in blue) and Victor “Ike” Glover (in green) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) Jeremy Hansen (in red) observed impact flashes and their locations, which […]
Winter observing targets for small telescopes
The Crab Nebula Our first object is the Crab Nebula in Taurus. It’s one of the sky’s most famous objects, and a nice small telescope target. Although the word “nebula” is part of this object’s name, astronomers classify M1 as a supernova remnant. In 1054, a brilliant new star 4 times brighter than Venus appeared Continue reading "Winter observing targets for small telescopes" The post Winter observing targets for small telescopes appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Mars’s oddest cloud may be even odder than we thought
Scientists using the European Space Agency's Mars Express , in combination with a state-of-the-art meteorological model of the Red Planet, have found that there may be some very exotic physics behind Mars’s most curious cloud.
Oct. 7, 1959: The first photos of the Moon’s farside are taken
On Oct. 4, 1959, exactly two years after the launch of Sputnik, the Soviet Union scored another win when Luna 3 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and set off for the Moon. It was the third spacecraft in the Luna program, Luna 1 having overshot the Moon after a rocket-burn error, and Luna Continue reading "Oct. 7, 1959: The first photos of the Moon’s farside are taken" The post Oct. 7, 1959: The first photos of the Moon’s farside are taken appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Thousands of Black Holes Could Be Lurking in Our Backyard—and You Can Help Find Them
According to stellar evolution models, there should be hundreds of millions of black holes floating around in our galaxy. But so far we’ve only found 70. That’s in large part because they are so hard to find, but a citizen science project from the University of Southampton is actively seeking out these hidden monsters with the help of tens of thousands of amateur astronomers through a project on Zooniverse called [Black Hole Hunters](https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/cobalt-lensing/black-hole-hunters).
Kelvin waves: Will El Niño bring coastal flooding to American west?
As El Niño continues to strengthen, it could cause Kelvin waves to move east and eventually trigger coastal flooding in the North American west. The post Kelvin waves: Will El Niño bring coastal flooding to American west? first appeared on EarthSky .
Find the Andromeda Galaxy using Cassiopeia
Leave the city behind this weekend and go galaxy-hunting! Cassiopeia - one of the easiest constellations to identify - points the way to the Andromeda Galaxy. The post Find the Andromeda Galaxy using Cassiopeia first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 7: Titan passes north of Saturn
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 6: The Moon occults Jupiter Saturn’s brightest moon, Titan, has closed the gap between itself and its parent planet to sit less than 1’ northeast of the ringed world tonight.  With Saturn already above the horizon as the sky is darkening, Continue reading "The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 7: Titan passes north of Saturn" The post The Sky Today on Wednesday, October 7: Titan passes north of Saturn appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 7 – Supernova Remnant Pa 30
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 7 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Supernova Remnant Pa […]
Arctic Sea Ice Shrinks to Its 2026 Minimum
Satellite records show Arctic sea ice covering less of the ocean in both winter and summer.
Wandering Black Holes May Hold Clues to the Evolution of the Universe
According to new research, "wandering" black holes may have left an imprint on the Universe as they traveled for billions of years.
Galaxy Evolution Can be Affected by Black Hole Jets
In recent decades, astronomers have found evidence that supermassive black holes can really mess with their galaxies' evolution. They gobble up material intended for star formation, quenching the birth of stars. Conversely, jets streaming away from those hungry monsters can also energize gas-rich regions and enhance the chances of a galaxy birthing batches of stars in those areas.
Moon and Jupiter pics here! A cosmic hide-and-seek
On Tuesday morning, the moon slid in front of Jupiter, blocking it from view. Our EarthSky community shared their moon and Jupiter pics. The post Moon and Jupiter pics here! A cosmic hide-and-seek first appeared on EarthSky .
NASA to Cover Northrop Grumman CRS-24 Spacecraft Departure
After delivering more than 11,000 pounds of supplies, science experiments, and other cargo to the International Space Station for NASA, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL spacecraft is scheduled to depart Friday, Oct. 9, as part of the company’s Commercial Resupply Services-24 mission, or Northrop Grumman CRS-24. Watch NASA’s live coverage of undocking and departure beginning at 12:30 […]
October 2026 Satellite Puzzler
Your challenge is to tell us the location of the satellite image and why it is interesting.
Lunar Grounding Challenge
As an astronaut traverses the lunar South Pole, tribocharging from walking on the lunar surface and plasma charging from the ambient plasma generate electric charge on the spacesuit. This problem is severely compounded when entering lunar shadows and Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs). In these dark zones, the spacesuit can buildup a substantial negative potential due […]
Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in physics
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded Francis Halzen, principal investigator of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Nobel Prize in physics on Oct. 6, 2026. Halzen’s work on high-energy neutrinos has shaped our understanding of the universe’s mysterious and powerful natural particle accelerators. Halzen is the Continue reading "Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in physics" The post Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in physics appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
NASA Glenn Invites Phase 1 Proposals for Aerospace Power Systems Laboratory
NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is seeking Phase 1 proposals for the design and construction of the Aerospace Power Systems Laboratory. The principal purpose of this procurement is to deliver a laboratory facility to support the testing and development of power systems, with associated site work, infrastructure, and systems. The laboratory will provide modern […]
Astronomers Solve Cosmic Cold Case with NASA Hubble Data
This artist’s concept depicts a possible explanation for the unusual chemical abundances NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope detected in the HS 0209+0832 system: a second-generation planet orbiting the white dwarf star.
Astronomers Solve Cosmic Cold Case with NASA Hubble Data
Diligent sleuthing by astronomers uncovered a surprising chemical clue that indicates the white dwarf star HS 0209+0832 may host a second-generation planet. This artist’s concept released on Oct. 5, 2026, depicts that possible explanation. The white dwarf is the “dead” core of a star that burned through all of its nuclear fuel and lost its outer […]
Photo Release: Gemini North Reveals Pearl-Like Knots in the Remnant of a Supernova Witnessed in the Year 1181
The Gemini North telescope located on Maunakea in Hawai‘i has revealed the most detailed view yet of Pa 30, the likely remnant of the historic supernova seen in the year 1181. The new observations reveal that its famous “firework” filaments are not smooth streaks, but chains of tiny knots.
NASA’s Curiosity Rover Catches Stunning Martian Dawn
A newly released panorama captured by NASA’s Curiosity rover offers the most detailed view yet of distant, wind-carved Martian cliffs, highlighting features the mission’s scientists have long been waiting to see up close. The scene was snapped at 8:30 a.m. local Mars time, showing striking blue hues in the foreground as bright morning light illuminates […]
Uncovering M96’s violent past
The DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys combine data from three separate, smaller surveys — the Dark Energy Camera Legacy Survey, the Beijing-Arizona Sky Survey, and the Mayall Z-band Legacy Survey — to create a catalog of some 4 billion objects in the night sky. This stunning image of spiral galaxy M96 was captured by the first Continue reading "Uncovering M96’s violent past" The post Uncovering M96’s violent past appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Webb captures commotion from nebula’s stellar jets
Image: Webb captures commotion from nebula’s stellar jets
NASA’s Webb Captures Commotion From Nebula’s Stellar Jets
A cauldron of cosmic creation is being revealed in a new image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Webb has unveiled numerous stars formerly hidden by clouds of dust in a stellar nursery known as NGC 7129, which resides about 3,300 light-years from Earth. Stars, the engines of elemental creation, have life cycles that begin […]
Oct. 6, 2010: Chang-e 2 arrives at the Moon
On Oct. 6, 2010, only five days after launching, the Chang-e 2 spacecraft arrived at the Moon and initiated a rocket burn, slipping into its lunar orbit. Part of China’s Lunar Exploration Program, Chang’e 2 carried an improved camera for 3D mapping, laser altimeter, X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers, microwave radiometer, high-energy particle detector, and solar Continue reading "Oct. 6, 2010: Chang-e 2 arrives at the Moon" The post Oct. 6, 2010: Chang-e 2 arrives at the Moon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Solar system’s most bizarre moons! Take the tour
The solar system’s most bizarre moons reveal active, complex worlds that continue to surprise scientists. Are any of them harboring life? The post Solar system’s most bizarre moons! Take the tour first appeared on EarthSky .
To Keep GPS Constellations From Drifting, Look To The Moon
Global Positioning Systems are a key feature in everyday life for much of the world’s population. Whether it’s ensuring a ship delivers its goods safely, or you’re able to avoid a road closure on your commute home, GPS can help. But the system has a weakness - it relies on ground stations that could suffer from blackouts, natural disasters, or cyber attacks. And if those ground stations go offline for long enough, the whole system itself can begin to “drift”. Aerospace engineers have been attempting to counteract this problem for years, but so far with little success. But a new paper from a research team led by Xia Lin and Baojun Lin at the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites, and published in Satellite Navigation, explains a potential answer to this problem - link the GPS satellites up with some in orbit around the Moon.
A Buried Volcano on the Moon Hints At An Ancient Lunar Dynamo
Scientists know for certain the moon doesn’t currently have a magnetosphere. But they’ve been debating for decades about whether it ever did. Data from both Apollo samples and orbital scientific instruments have proven divisive, and so the debate still rages. But a new paper from researchers at ETH Zurich, DLR, and the Institute of Applied Geosciences hopes to resolve the debate once and for all - by definitively proving that the Moon did, indeed, once have a magnetic dynamo.
Flashing star in autumn? Here are 3 candidates
Flashing star in October? Discover 3 bright stars that shimmer in red, green and other colors, and find out why they put on this dazzling show. The post Flashing star in autumn? Here are 3 candidates first appeared on EarthSky .
Smart scopes are amazing. Here’s why I love mine
There are many different smart scopes on the market today. They're great for astrophotos. Info here. Plus stunning photos made with smart scopes! The post Smart scopes are amazing. Here’s why I love mine first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Tuesday, October 6: The Moon occults Jupiter
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 5: The Moon, Mars, and M44 The Moon passes 0.2° north of Jupiter at 6 A.M. EDT. But before that, our satellite occults the planet for observers in parts of Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. This is a relatively rare Continue reading "The Sky Today on Tuesday, October 6: The Moon occults Jupiter" The post The Sky Today on Tuesday, October 6: The Moon occults Jupiter appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 6 – A Complete Auroral Oval from SMILE
APODScienceAPODAPOD: 2026 October 6 – A…Today’s APODArchiveSubmissionsIndexSearchCalendarRSSEducationAboutDiscuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. ESA, CAS, SMILE, UVI A Complete Auroral Oval from SMILE Explanation: Have you ever seen a […]
The Beaver Brown Waters of Rupert Bay
Dissolved organic matter and suspended sediment mingle in the southernmost extent of James Bay.
Curiosity Blog, Sols 5029-5035: Back in the Lab
Written by Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator Earth planning date: Friday, Oct. 1, 2026 The majority of Curiosity plans involve mosaics from Mastcam and ChemCam, chemistry analyses from ChemCam and APXS, images from MAHLI and MARDI, and systematic measurements from REMS, RAD, and DAN. It is only when we stop to drill that we […]
New Simulations Connect the First Stars to Cosmic Fingerprints Still Visible Today
In a recent study, researchers at the international MEGATRON project used some of the most detailed simulations of the early Universe to investigate how the first stars and galaxies formed.
NASA to Stream SpaceX Crew-12 Return, Splashdown Live
NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 8:05 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, Oct. 7, for the undocking of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission from the International Space Station, pending weather conditions. An Oct. 7 undock puts NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev […]
South Korea, SpaceX, and China ready for launch this week
Rocket launches this week On Tuesday, Oct. 6, SpaceX will launch the Tranche 1 Transport Layer A mission for the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 4:17 a.m. EDT. The Falcon 9 will carry satellites for SDA’s Transport Layer, a network of military satellites in low Earth orbit. Continue reading "South Korea, SpaceX, and China ready for launch this week" The post South Korea, SpaceX, and China ready for launch this week appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Imaging star clusters in other galaxies
When processing galaxy images, we astrophotographers labor to display their many beautiful features, like bright nuclei, spiral arms, star clouds, emission nebulae, dust lanes, and tidal tails. Yet most of us are oblivious to another component of galaxies we may have captured in some images: their globular star clusters. Globulars are vast, ancient clusters that Continue reading "Imaging star clusters in other galaxies" The post Imaging star clusters in other galaxies appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
NASA Astronaut Christina Koch at Eagles vs. Rams
NASA astronaut and mission specialist of the agency's Artemis II mission, Christina Koch, led the fans in singing the Eagles Fight Song from the field at an NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Philadelphia.
NASA Astronaut Christina Koch at Eagles vs. Rams
NASA astronaut and mission specialist of the agency’s Artemis II mission, Christina Koch, leads the fans in singing the Eagles Fight Song from the field at an NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Philadelphia. NASA’s engagement at NFL games is […]
Chandra X-ray Observatory Drops New View of our Galaxy’s Unruly Centre
The core of the Milky Way is a dense, active, messy region, dominated by a supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) hiding at the heart of the galaxy. But Sgr A* is only a supporting actor in this stunning new image from the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Neutrons, Rotating Black Holes, and a Galactic PeVatron at the Center of the Milky Way
Supermassive black holes generate tremendous amounts of energy through their accretion disks and jets. But they can also generate energy through the magnetic Penrose process. A new study looks at how we might observe this process through multimessenger astronomy.
NASA Testing Aims at Supercooled Large Droplet Aviation Safety
NASA is leveraging its expertise and enhancing its test facilities to help address a rare but persistent aviation hazard: icing that occurs when aircraft encounter unusually large, very cold water droplets in clouds.   The problem, known as “supercooled large droplet icing,” occurs when aircraft fly through clouds containing unusually large drops of water that are […]
Suspected Second-generation Planet Solves NASA Hubble Cold Case
New analysis of archival Hubble data points to the possibility of “dead” white dwarf stars hosting second-generation planetary systems.
Science Release: Suspected second-generation planet solves Hubble cold case
For more than a quarter century, unidentified chemical signatures from a white dwarf star have laid dormant in the archive of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, until diligent sleuthing by a young astronomer revealed something extraordinary: high amounts of the element niobium, and other unusual chemical abundances, indicating a potential second-generation planet orbiting the white dwarf. While a handful of planets have been identified orbiting white dwarfs, this is the first candidate with the hallmarks of a planet that formed from material related to a star’s death, rather than its birth. The discovery proposes a fascinating new area of future research and highlights the intriguing concept that stars could have an extended second act hosting new planets long after the fuel of their primary “lifetime” runs out.
How do professional astronomers book time on JWST or Hubble?
How do professional astronomers book time on JWST or Hubble? Frank CoulterTauranga, New Zealand The opportunity to use either the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) or James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as what NASA calls a general observer is available to scientists all over the world each year. The science program for both telescopes is led Continue reading "How do professional astronomers book time on JWST or Hubble?" The post How do professional astronomers book time on JWST or Hubble? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Oct. 5th, 1923: Hubble discovers galaxies beyond the Milky Way
On Oct. 4, 1923, Edwin Hubble took a photographic plate of the Andromeda Nebula (as it was known then) using the 100-inch Hooker telescope at Mount Wilson. The next night, Oct. 5th, he took another plate and found that a star that seemed to belong to the nebula had changed in brightness. At first, he thought this Continue reading "Oct. 5th, 1923: Hubble discovers galaxies beyond the Milky Way" The post Oct. 5th, 1923: Hubble discovers galaxies beyond the Milky Way appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Space Radiation Sparks A Biological Cascade Of Cancer
Deep space travel comes with a huge potential downside - radiation exposure that can kill an astronaut either quickly or slowly over time if not managed correctly. But what exactly does that mean, and is there any way to handle it other than sticking more and more protective layers between the squishy biological systems inside a spacecraft and the radiative void of deep space? A new paper from researchers at Oklahoma State University and the University of Texas Health Science Center hopes to answer both questions, and while the causes of radiation they point out are complex, they also offer some potential solutions as well.
X-Rays and AI Reveal How Spacecraft Heat Shields Burn in Real Time
Heat shields are undeniably one of the most important parts of any spacecraft that intends to enter an atmosphere. And the material they are made out of is absolutely critical. Improving them has been a bit of a challenge though, as typically researchers only get “before” and “after” pictures of when the heat shield completes its job of helping a spacecraft land safely back on Earth. That changed recently, though, with a collaboration between NASA and the Advanced Light Source (ALS) located at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, which allowed researchers to watch a heat shield fall apart in real time.
The Sky Today on Monday, October 5: The Moon, Mars, and M44
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 4: Saturn reaches opposition The Moon passes 1.2° north of Mars at 2 A.M. EDT. The pair shares Cancer early this morning, rising around 1:15 A.M. local daylight time and remaining visible until sunrise.  Mars is now magnitude 1.1, a bright Continue reading "The Sky Today on Monday, October 5: The Moon, Mars, and M44" The post The Sky Today on Monday, October 5: The Moon, Mars, and M44 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 5 – M104: The Sombrero Galaxy’s Tidal Streams
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 5 – M104:… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. M104: The […]
Moon-Like Madagascar
A bright lens of anorthosite, a rock type prevalent on the lunar surface, is cradled within sheared rocks in the country’s south.
A white dwarf polluted by its own ashes
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 05 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02982-8 The detection of niobium in a white dwarf reveals a pollutant unlike any Solar System body, pointing to a ‘second-generation’ giant planet candidate built from debris shed during its host star’s death.
Stable mass transfer from a substellar object onto an M dwarf
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 05 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02992-6 Astronomers have found a brown dwarf transferring mass onto a small star in an 87-min orbit, showing that substellar objects can be gradually consumed over potentially billions of years, rather than swallowed whole.
Discovery of a second-generation planet candidate accreting onto a white dwarf
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 05 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02983-7 Niobium has been detected in the atmosphere of a young white dwarf, probably originating from a second-generation planet candidate being evaporated by the white dwarf. The planet probably formed from material ejected during the white dwarf progenitor’s death throes.
XRISM Makes First-Ever Detection of a Pulsar Feeding from a Companion's Stellar "Wind"
Using data from the Japan-led XRISM observatory, astronomers have directly observed a giant star’s stellar wind captured by its compact companion (triggering X-ray flares) for the first time.
Curiosity Blog, Sols 5022-5028: Cashing in at Cache Creek
Written by Lucy Thompson, Senior Research Scientist, University of New Brunswick, Canada Earth planning date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 Before we landed, the area of Gale crater that we planned to explore was divided up into rectangular parcels with designated names. The names were chosen after small towns associated with significant geological features. Our selected […]
Mapping the Gaps in NASA’s Return to the Moon, featuring Richard Spolzino
“I want to be able to look at a rocket launch and say, ‘I touched a piece of this.’” That’s how Richard Spolzino describes the thing he’s chasing. Not a title, not a specific mission, not even NASA itself, just the ability to point at something real and know his work made it possible. At […]
Oct. 4th, 1957: Sputnik launches
On Oct. 4th, 1957, at 10:29 PM Moscow time, the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik 1 into space on a repurposed R-7 rocket. The world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik was about 22 inches (58 centimeters) in diameter and weighed 184 pounds (84 kilograms). Although there were no scientific instruments aboard, the transmitter it carried sent Continue reading "Oct. 4th, 1957: Sputnik launches" The post Oct. 4th, 1957: Sputnik launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
World Space Week is October 4 to 10. Find events here
World Space Week dates back to 1999 and runs every year from October 4 to 10. This year, the theme is The Rocket Revolution. Find events near you here. The post World Space Week is October 4 to 10. Find events here first appeared on EarthSky .
How a helium leak in an exoplanet atmosphere hints at life
A tentative helium detection may offer the 1st glimpse of this exoplanet atmosphere, but we'll need more evidence to know if LHS 1140b could host life. The post How a helium leak in an exoplanet atmosphere hints at life first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Sunday, October 4: Saturn reaches opposition
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 3: Dione transits Saturn We’re back at Saturn this evening with the planet as the main attraction as the ringed world reaches opposition today at 8 A.M. EDT. Rising around sunset and setting around sunrise, it is visible all night in Continue reading "The Sky Today on Sunday, October 4: Saturn reaches opposition" The post The Sky Today on Sunday, October 4: Saturn reaches opposition appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 4 – Supernumerary Rainbows over New Jersey
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 4 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Supernumerary Rainbows over […]
Oct. 3, 1942: The V-2 successfully launches
A 12-ton rocket loaded with a 1-ton warhead, the V-2’s successful launch would prove to be exceptionally significant to both the military and to space exploration. On Oct. 3, 1942, the V-2 was fired from Peenemunde, Germany – its fourth test, and the first to succeed. The rocket rose to an altitude of 60 miles Continue reading "Oct. 3, 1942: The V-2 successfully launches" The post Oct. 3, 1942: The V-2 successfully launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Gegenschein over Shennongjia
Huang Dandan, taken from Shennongjia, Hubei, China The gegenschein, a faint glow of sunlight scattered back toward Earth by dust grains in the inner solar system, sits in Aquarius at the point directly opposite the Sun in this all-sky view. The Milky Way arcs across the center, and the red light at bottom is a Continue reading "Gegenschein over Shennongjia" The post Gegenschein over Shennongjia appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
The Sky Today on Saturday, October 3: Dione transits Saturn
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column. October 2: Venus stands still The small moon Dione transits Saturn starting just before midnight EDT. Tenth-magnitude Dione crosses the far northern region of the planet, beginning its journey just minutes after 11:40 P.M. EDT and taking about an hour and a Continue reading "The Sky Today on Saturday, October 3: Dione transits Saturn" The post The Sky Today on Saturday, October 3: Dione transits Saturn appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 3 – Selfie at Vera Rubin Ridge
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 3 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Selfie at Vera […]
Case closed on long-standing space weather mystery
If a train leaves the station in Exeter, England, headed south toward Newton Abbot five years before the railway line opens, how long until anyone figures out that it didn’t happen? Well, evidently about 155 years. A report on magnetic storms, published in Nature in 1871, described an incident thought to be the earliest recorded Continue reading "Case closed on long-standing space weather mystery" The post Case closed on long-standing space weather mystery appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
NASA Astronaut Christina Koch to Join NFL Fans in Philadelphia
As part of NASA’s ongoing Inspiration Tour, NASA astronaut Christina Koch will highlight America’s strengths in space exploration and aeronautics innovation at the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams game in Philadelphia on Sunday, Oct. 4. A self-proclaimed Philadelphia sports fan, Koch is an explorer and engineer who spent a total of 338 days in […]
Heading Home: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 Concludes Station Science Mission
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission is ending, with the crew scheduled to return in early October. NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev will head home from the International Space Station after supporting research that benefits life on Earth and prepares humans for missions […]
NASA's DAVINCI Probe Can Stand the Heat
An engineering model of NASA’s DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) descent probe passed a key test that ran from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10, showing it can survive the extreme temperatures of Venus.
NASA’s DAVINCI Probe Can Stand the Heat
The engineering development unit for NASA’s DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) probe is photographed prior to a major thermal evaluation. The DAVINCI team put the yoga ball-sized vessel into a ceramic-lined chamber with heat-scorched walls and ratcheted up the temperature to 869 F, or 465 C, over the course […]
La NASA abre solicitudes para próxima promoción de directores de vuelo
Lee esta nota de prensa en inglés aquí. La NASA busca líderes para uno de los puestos más prestigiosos de la Tierra en el ámbito de los vuelos espaciales tripulados: director de vuelo en el control de misión del Centro Espacial Johnson de la agencia, en Houston. Esta función es fundamental para reforzar el liderazgo […]
NASA Model Wing Lights Up During First Pressure Sensitive Paint Tests
Groundbreaking tests at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, are paving the way for new wind tunnel capabilities for designing the aircraft technologies of the future.  In a first-of-its-kind test in NASA Langley’s Transonic Dynamics Tunnel, researchers used unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint to study how air flows around a standard wind tunnel model known […]
NASA Opens Applications for Next Class of Flight Directors
NASA is seeking leaders for one of the most esteemed positions on Earth for human spaceflight: flight director in mission control at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This role is critical to advancing American leadership in space exploration, as NASA paves the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon. Applications for […]
How can I reduce my personal contribution to light pollution?
What type of lighting emits the least amount of light pollution? Peter BladoTacoma, Washington First, use a good lighting fixture, one that is a “full cutoff.” That means there is no direct upgoing light at all. It generally also means there is very little light just below the horizontal, which is the kind of light Continue reading "How can I reduce my personal contribution to light pollution?" The post How can I reduce my personal contribution to light pollution? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Oct. 2, 480 B.C.E.: A eclipse causes a retreat
An ancient solar eclipse changed the course of a military conflict when it cast a shadow on a battle over Corinth between the Spartans, commanded by Cleombrotus, and the invading Persians, led by Xerxes I. Herodotus wrote that, “while [Cleombrotus] was offering sacrifice to know if he should march out against the Persians, the Sun Continue reading "Oct. 2, 480 B.C.E.: A eclipse causes a retreat" The post Oct. 2, 480 B.C.E.: A eclipse causes a retreat appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Is this an alien radio signal from a super-Earth exoplanet?
Did China's FAST radio telescope detect an alien radio signal coming from the super-Earth exoplanet K2-155 d? Probably not. The post Is this an alien radio signal from a super-Earth exoplanet? first appeared on EarthSky .
Could an Earthlike planet with 2 stars be nearby?
A new astronomical model has found that an Earthlike planet could have a stable and potentially habitable orbit around a star in a nearby 2-star system. The post Could an Earthlike planet with 2 stars be nearby? first appeared on EarthSky .
Asteroid Bennu Has an Identity Crisis, and Jupiter Might Be to Blame
Asteroid sample return missions have brought well preserved samples of the early solar system (that hadn’t been roasted in a fireball) back to Earth for the first time. But those samples, like the OSIRIS-REx sample from asteroid (101955) Bennu, sometimes provide more questions than answers. A new paper, published in Science Advances from researchers at ETH Zurich and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, highlights one of those questions - why Bennu appears to have been born in both the inner and outer solar system - and a possible answer to it.
October birthstone: Colorful opal and tourmaline
Take your pick: the October birthstone is either the striking iridescent opal or the many-colored tourmaline. Learn the lore of these pretty gemstones here. The post October birthstone: Colorful opal and tourmaline first appeared on EarthSky .
The Sky Today on Friday, October 2: Venus stands still
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  October 1: Perseus’ Double Cluster The brilliant planet Venus stands stationary against the background stars of Virgo at 10 A.M. EDT.  Together with Mercury, Venus is visible for a short time in the western sky after sunset, but you’ll want a clear Continue reading "The Sky Today on Friday, October 2: Venus stands still" The post The Sky Today on Friday, October 2: Venus stands still appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
The Sky This Week from October 2 to 9: Saturn at its best
Friday, October 2Venus appears to halt its motion through the sky today, standing stationary at 10 A.M. EDT. Now in Virgo, you can catch the bright planet, along with Mercury, for a brief time after sunset.  Venus stands just 2° high in the west 20 minutes after sunset. Its bright magnitude of –4.8 can help Continue reading "The Sky This Week from October 2 to 9: Saturn at its best" The post The Sky This Week from October 2 to 9: Saturn at its best appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 2 – The Complete Sharpless Catalog: 313 Nebulas
What does it take to image hundreds of nebulas? Today’s image contains the entire Sharpless Catalog of H II Regions, totaling 313 objects. Zoom in and explore!
Rains Swamp the Gandak River
After days of torrential rain, the river rose to record-breaking levels in parts of Nepal and India.
10 Things: Movie Night
Join Us for Movie Night with NASA NASA’s mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration and scientific discovery. NASA+ documentaries allow you to come along for the ride. It’s free. It’s on demand. And no subscription is required. Grab some popcorn and come along for the journey. Other Worlds: Europa Cosmic Dawn Planetary […]
The 15th Asteroids Comets Meteors Conference
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 02 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02995-3 The 15th Asteroids Comets Meteors Conference (ACM) took place from 6 to 10 July 2026, in the historic city of Poznań, Poland. This triennial meeting brings together current and future generations in Solar System small body science.
NASA's First Selection for a New Class of Mission: The PRIMA Far-Infrared Telescope
NASA announced Wednesday a mission to explore the history and evolution of the universe, PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), is advancing to the next phase of development. This space telescope is the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions, called Probe Explorers, within the agency’s longstanding Explorers Program.
NASA Awards Enterprise Logistics Support Services Agreements
NASA selected 16 companies to provide Enterprise Logistics Support Services under new agreements that will standardize requirements, improve reporting, and streamline the management of costs and resources. The $1.4 billion blanket purchase agreements will support equipment and property management, transportation, disposal, product support, flight hardware support operations, equipment maintenance and repair, export control, move operations, […]
NASA's Hubble Marks its 200,000th Orbit by Watching Lensed Supernova
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope completed its 200,000th orbit around Earth on Sept. 19th and marked this milestone with observations that could help refine astronomers' measurements of cosmic expansion (aka. the Hubble Constant).
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Launches
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov aboard, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Launches
In this Oct. 1, 2026, photo, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The spacecraft is carrying NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov to the International Space Station for a […]
Saturn at opposition – brightest for 2026 – on October 4
Don't miss Saturn at opposition on and around the night of October 4, 2026. That's when our planet Earth passes between the sun and Saturn. The post Saturn at opposition – brightest for 2026 – on October 4 first appeared on EarthSky .
What’s Up: October 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA
A Meteor Shower and the Moon Near the Pleiades See Saturn at opposition, catch the Orionid meteor shower, and watch the Moon pass close to the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Skywatching Highlights Transcript Saturn takes center stage, a meteor shower lights up the sky, and the Moon visits the Seven Sisters. That’s […]
See the Moon occult Jupiter October 6
Make sure to set your alarm clock early on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 6, so that you won’t miss a rare and spectacular celestial event. The brilliant planet Jupiter and its retinue of Galilean satellites will pass behind the waning Moon, a 20%-illuminated crescent just 4¼ days before New. Astronomers call this phenomenon an Continue reading "See the Moon occult Jupiter October 6" The post See the Moon occult Jupiter October 6 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Launches to International Space Station
Four crew members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission launched at 11:10 a.m. EDT Thursday from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for a science expedition aboard the International Space Station. “Crew-13 is another demonstration of America’s unmatched capability in human spaceflight and the strength of our commercial partnerships,” said […]
NASA’s Webb Provides Crash Course on Planet-Shattering Collisions
In the early history of our solar system, scientists theorize that a Mars-sized object called Theia smashed into the infant Earth, vaporizing massive amounts of rock and blasting it into space. Some of that material coalesced into the Moon, where NASA’s Artemis program is returning humans, preparing for Mars, and shaping the future of space […]
Oct. 1, 1847: Miss Mitchell’s Comet
On Oct. 1, 1847, Maria Mitchell was positioned on the roof of the Pacific National Bank on Main Street in her hometown of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Sweeping the sky with her family’s 2-inch reflector, she spotted a small object that did not appear on any of her charts. Though not able to be seen with the Continue reading "Oct. 1, 1847: Miss Mitchell’s Comet" The post Oct. 1, 1847: Miss Mitchell’s Comet appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Life on Enceladus? Chances get big boost in 2 new studies
Is there life on Enceladus? Two new studies show that the chances for life in the ocean of this Saturn moon are even greater than once thought. The post Life on Enceladus? Chances get big boost in 2 new studies first appeared on EarthSky .
What are the world’s loudest birds? Here are 2 contenders
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst said the bare-throated bellbird and red-legged seriema are 2 contenders for world's loudest birds. The post What are the world’s loudest birds? Here are 2 contenders first appeared on EarthSky .
Exercise Keeps Astronaut Hearts in Fighting Shape for the Journey to Mars
Getting a human body to Mars will take a toll on it. NASA and other space agencies have been concerned for years that the 6-9 month travel time to get to the Red Planet could have such a deleterious impact on human anatomy that any crewed mission would fail before it even began. But a new study, co-led by Dr. Benjamin Levine of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and published in the journal Circulation, eases some of that concern by claiming that, given a sufficient exercise regimen in low gravity, astronauts should be able to operate on Mars upon arrival without any major cardiac issues.
The Sky Today on Thursday, October 1: Perseus’ Double Cluster
Looking for a sky event this week? Check out our full Sky This Week column.  September 30: Asteroid Nausikaa at opposition There’s time before the Moon rises this evening to get in some deep-sky observing — plus, our two-for-one targets tonight are bright enough that even once our satellite creeps above the horizon, it won’t ruin your Continue reading "The Sky Today on Thursday, October 1: Perseus’ Double Cluster" The post The Sky Today on Thursday, October 1: Perseus’ Double Cluster appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
Stargazing tips! 10 great tips for beginning astronomers
If you're new to observing the night sky, check out our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners. We'll help you explore and expand your love for astronomy. The post Stargazing tips! 10 great tips for beginning astronomers first appeared on EarthSky .
Mars' North Pole Ice Is Far Cleaner Than Expected
The planet Mars is known for its massive dust storms, dust devils, and two large polar ice caps, with its north polar cap being one of the Red Planet’s most striking features. Comprised of water ice, the north polar cap not only holds potential for being a source of water for future human missions, but it also helps researchers’ piece together past climates on Mars. But an ongoing debate within the scientific community is the ice-dust relationship at the north polar cap, specifically how much dust comprises the north polar cap compared to the much larger amount of water ice.
October 2026: What’s in the sky this month?
Saturn reaches opposition this month, putting on a fine show. Mercury is briefly visible early in October, while Venus remains low after sunset. Neptune lingers near Saturn, and Uranus is well placed between the Pleiades and Aldebaran. Mars makes a magnificent transit of the Beehive Cluster, not to be missed. Jupiter dominates the morning sky Continue reading "October 2026: What’s in the sky this month?" The post October 2026: What’s in the sky this month? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
October 2026: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month?
Three planets provide a feast for your eyes in this month’s evening sky. The star of the show in early October is Venus, which shines brilliantly in the west as the sky starts to darken. The magnitude –4.8 planet easily bests all other night-sky objects except for the Moon. If you follow Venus’ trajectory this Continue reading "October 2026: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month?" The post October 2026: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .
APOD: 2026 October 1 – Harvest Moon with Erupting Mount Etna
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 October 1 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Harvest Moon with […]
An Agricultural “Island” in the Saskatchewan River Delta
Surrounded by wetlands, Manitoba’s northernmost farmland near The Pas turns from green to brown over the 2026 growing season.
First Direct Image of Protoplanet Swirling Surrounding Gas
The formation and evolution of planets is the driving force behind both where and how we might find life beyond Earth. This complex and lengthy process first begins with a massive ball of gas and dust that swirls until it flattens into a disk, followed by rocks ranging in size from pebbles to kilometer-scale objects clumping together in a process known as accretion, as they too swirl around within the larger disk and form rocky planets closer to the star and the farther out planets collect the gas, ice, and dust that the star couldn’t evaporate. Until now, researchers have been limited to visualizing the swirling gas and dust forming planets through computer models.
Coldest Lava Exoplanet Found to Hold an Atmosphere
Exoplanets continue to challenge our understanding of planetary formation, evolution, and whether they might be able to support life as we know it. Scientists often use planets in our solar system as analogs for exoplanets, studying exoplanets with extremely short orbital periods forces scientists to constantly rethink our understanding of what planets can withstand during their lifetimes. One such type of exoplanet that has entered the foray in recent years are “lava world” exoplanets, and especially lava exoplanets that orbit dangerously close to their stars. But while it has been long known that lava worlds on with higher temperatures have atmospheres, “colder” lava worlds have been found to lack atmospheres.