Posts by 

Kelly Kizer Whitt

Nuclear fusion ignition: Big laboratory breakthrough

Nuclear fusion ignition was triggered in a lab for the first time, and it could lead the way to clean energy and insights into the Big Bang.

A spiral arm break in the Milky Way

Scientists discovered a spiral arm break in the Milky Way, lying some 4,000 light-years away, which contains some of the most famous nebulas in the heavens.

Predicting solar storms to protect Earth

Predicting solar storms isn't easy. We're still a long way from forecasting space weather events days in advance. But we're getting closer.

Jupiter’s energy crisis solved: Auroras roast upper atmosphere

Scientists solved the mystery of Jupiter's energy crisis by learning that auroras roast the upper atmosphere of the gas giant planet.

A rare nova visible to the eye. See it while you can!

A rare nova visible to the eye erupted this week in the direction of the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer. Look for it soon!

2 spacecraft flyby at Venus within 2 days

Two spacecraft, Solar Orbiter and BepiColombo, make flybys of Venus within 33 hours of each other on August 9 and 10, 2021.

Weird metal-rich star catapulted from the galaxy

Scientists found a metal-rich star catapulted from a supernova explosion. It's racing out of the galaxy at nearly 2 million miles an hour.

Water vapor on Ganymede, Jupiter’s large moon

Scientists have found the first evidence of water vapor on Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, bringing us insights into the habitability of other worlds.
Astronomy Essentials

Transits of Jupiter’s moons ahead: A triple!

Observers using a good pair of binoculars or a small telescope can see events called transits on Jupiter, when a moon or its shadow passes in front of the giant planet.
Space

Astronomers find 100 black holes in Palomar 5

Scientists discovered that Palomar 5 has a large proportion of black holes and will one day lose all its stars and be made entirely of black holes.

2026 Donation Campaign

If EarthSky has ever helped you discover something new, prepare for an eclipse, spot a planet, or simply inspired a moment of wonder, today is the perfect day to give back. Your donation helps keep trusted science news, expert night sky guides, and independent science journalism free for everyone.

Please help keep EarthSky going by donating today!

Please help keep

EarthSky going!

If you've already donated, we apologize for the popup and greatly appreciate your support.