Easter Island society did not collapse prior to European contact, and its people continued to build its iconic moai statues for much longer than previously believed, according to a team of researchers.

Protecting large animals such as elephants and whales, and large plants like the sequoias, has a disproportionate positive impact on the health of the planet and resilience to climate change.

Researchers concluded that even a contained nuclear conflict would take a toll on Earth's oceans and potentially disrupt the human food web. "The impacts are huge," a scientist said.

Open through February 29, the contest lets you use real astronomical data and tools to create your own beautiful image of the iconic starburst galaxy M82.

Solar Orbiter - aka SolO - will take the first direct images of the sun’s poles. Following Sunday's launch, the spacecraft will take a loopy path through the inner solar system, borrowing thrust from the powerful gravitational fields of Earth and Venus.

A Cygnus resupply spacecraft headed for the International Space Station is scheduled to launch on Sunday, February 9, from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. How and when to watch live in the sky, or on NASA TV.

A Harris Poll survey - conducted online in December on behalf of the American Psychological Association - reports that more than half of U.S. adults (56%) cite climate change as the most important issue facing the world today.

Astronaut Christina Koch has returned to Earth after a record-breaking stay of 328 days aboard the International Space Station. She now holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman.

Scientists have identified ancient mosses in, on and around the 5,300-year-old glacier mummy that add to the story of the final 48 hours before his murder.

Every February 2, a weather-prognosticating groundhog in Pennsylvania tells us if we should expect 6 more weeks of winter or an early spring. Should we believe him? Phil's track record here.