Space
DESI’s 3D map of the universe is complete!
Astronomers have completed the largest, most detailed 3D map of the universe ever made. It will help reveal how dark energy shapes the cosmos.
Brightest Stars
Alpha Centauri, the star system closest to our sun
Our closest stellar neighbors are the 3 stars that make up the Alpha Centauri system. They lie just over 4 light-years away from us.
Space

See and hear galaxies evolving in new simulations

See and hear galaxies evolving in new simulations with this video. The simulations help astronomers trace growth from the early universe to today.
Earth

Hidden soil fungi stole bacterial DNA to control the rain

Some soil fungi have a superpower, inherited from bacteria. It means they can reach up into the atmosphere and pull down the rain.
Earth

Seattle waterspout! What are waterspouts and how do they form?

See the Seattle waterspout that formed in Puget Sound on Wednesday. Then read more about waterspouts, which are essentially tornadoes over water.
Sun

Sun news: Huge coronal hole now faces Earth

Sun news for April 17, 2026: A huge coronal hole now faces Earth. CIR and fast solar wind may spark G1–G2 storms this weekend. Aurora chasers, stay alert!
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight

Visible planets and night sky guide for April

Visible planets and night sky guide. The Lyrid meteors are putting on a show right now. Watch a video with Deborah Byrd to find out all about them.
Constellations

See Antlia the Air Pump on April evenings

Antlia the Air Pump is a constellation that lies in southern skies. It contains dim stars and galaxies, including NGC 2997.
Space

Huge ancient sandstorm on Mars revealed in rippled sediments

Dust storms are common on Mars. But ripples in blocks of bedrock have revealed evidence of a more intense sandstorm on Mars about 3.5 billion years ago.
Astronomy Essentials

New meteor shower from an asteroid being eroded by the sun

A new meteor shower has been linked to an asteroid that was broken up when it passed too close to the sun. Find out more here.

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