Space
Pioneer 11: Watching the Saturn watchers
On the 50th anniversary of the launch of Pioneer 10, Patty Winter recalls the day that Pioneer 11 passed the rings of Saturn.
Space
How do lava-world exoplanets keep their atmospheres?
A new study from researchers at Stanford University helps explain how hot lava-world exoplanets orbiting close to their stars can maintain their atmospheres.
Earth

Giant trees break a decades-old science theory

Giant trees have evolved remarkable adaptations that allow them to reach extreme heights while maintaining efficient water transport.
Earth

Lake Powell hits record low, continues to drop

Lake Powell has hit its lowest level ever. Despite the monsoons, like the flash floods that hit Grand Canyon over the weekend, water levels continue to drop.
Sun

Sun news: Fast coronal hole winds now easing

Sun news August 31, 2026: A coronal hole's wind disturbed our magnetic field before fading. Meanwhile, a big filament erupted in the northeast.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for August and September

Visible planets and night sky guide: Look for the moon close to Saturn tonight. Plus Jupiter is returning at dawn. Watch the new "this week's sky" video.
Earth

Will El Niño become supersized? What experts are saying

El Niño is here. But will it become supersized? NOAA says there's a 90% or greater chance for El Niño to become "very strong" between September and January.
Space

Roman space telescope has launched! You can adopt a pixel

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched on August 30, from the Kennedy Space Center. Want to add your name to a pixel? Find out how here!
Astronomy Essentials

Do the planets revolve around the sun? Not exactly

Do the planets revolve around the sun? Not exactly. The sun and planets orbit a common center of mass, which, right now, is outside the sun.
Earth

Do you love twilight? The 3 stages explained

Twilight is that magical time between sunlight and darkness. Astronomers, experts on nighttime, recognize 3 stages of twilight.