Aliens could detect Earth from 12,000 light-years away

Researchers looking for aliens say Earth might be detectable by ETs with tech like our own. Our civilization can be seen from 12,000 light years away.

Yet another atmospheric river to strike US West Coast today

An atmospheric river has been pummeling California since the weekend, with wind, heavy rain and snow at high elevations. Another one is expected later today.

The February birthstone is the purple amethyst

Are you a February baby? Here's some cool info about your February birthstone, the amethyst. Read the lore of this purple stone, a variety of quartz.

Happy Groundhog Day! Watch the festivities in Pennsylvania

The predicted high for Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on February 2 is 41 degrees F (5 C) and cloudy. Will Phil see his shadow? Watch live here.

The mass of a star is determined from binary star systems

Binary stars - a star system consisting of two stars - are extremely useful. They give all the information needed to measure mass of a star. Here is how.

Happy Lunar New Year 2025! The Year of the Snake

The Lunar New Year falls on January 29, 2025. It coincides with the date of new moon and signals the start of the Year of the Snake.

What are hole-punch clouds, aka fallstreak holes?

Have you ever seen a fallstreak hole or hole-punch clouds? They're a type of cloud with a flat layer interrupted by a big hole, often with wisps at the center.

Is social media polarization about to get worse?

Social media behemoth Meta is planning to use crowdsourced 'community notes' for factchecking. Some experts worry this will only increase online polarization.

Do aliens exist? What scientists really think

Aliens probably exist according to a survey of more than 1,000 scientists. Nearly 87% of them believe in extraterrestrial life.

Starship explodes minutes after launch, planes diverted

SpaceX mission launched its newly upgraded Starship late Thursday, but the ship exploded minutes after launch. No crew was aboard.