New Cloud Atlas of Mars for cloudspotting on the red planet

Want to do some cloudspotting on Mars? Researchers in Germany have created the new Cloud Atlas of Mars, with 20 years of images from the Mars Express orbiter.

Did social isolation drive Neanderthals to extinction?

New DNA studies of a Neanderthal from France support a theory that Neanderthals became extinct because their populations were isolated, leading to inbreeding.

Dark matter black holes could make Mars wobble

MIT researchers believe dark matter exists in the form of tiny black holes. Those black holes may cause Mars' orbit to wobble, making them detectable.

Scientists recreate exotic Martian ‘spiders’ for 1st time

NASA scientists say they have confirmed a theory about how Martian 'spiders' form in the southern polar regions: erupting bursts of carbon dioxide gas.

Partial lunar eclipse September 17-18, 2024

A shallow partial lunar eclipse takes place on September 17-18, 2024. It's visible in most of the Western Hemisphere. Maps and details here.

The shoebill stork is our fierce lifeform of the week

Meet one of the biggest birds in the animal kingdom. The shoebill is imposing and fierce. It eats everything that fits in its beak, and in just one bite!

LIVE MONDAY: Space junk with Jonathan McDowell

Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell will discuss humans' unexpected impacts on space LIVE with EarthSky at 12:15 p.m. (17:15 UTC) on Monday, September 16. Join us!

Splashdown! Polaris Dawn crew returns safely to Earth

The crew of Polaris Dawn is now safely back on Earth after a historic mission that included the first civilian spacewalk. Read more about it here.

Black hole duo will merge in a distant galaxy

A black hole duo is headed for a collision. The active central black holes of 2 distant merging galaxies are only 300 light-years apart.

Why are Mars’ polar caps different from each other?

Mars' polar caps are generally similar, but they also differ in some some ways. A new study shows how the differing sublimation of CO2 ice plays a role.