NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge for summer 2023

NASA invites the public to participate in its Astrophoto Challenge for summer 2023. For this challenge, the focus is on the Phantom Galaxy. Details here.

Media we love: The Doomsday Book

In this installment of Media we love, EarthSky editor Kelly Kizer Whitt recommends The Doomsday Book by Marshall Brain.

Did an active sun kickstart life on Earth?

In the early days of Earth, a more active sun showered particles onto our atmosphere, which could have created the building blocks of proteins and organic life.

Artificial intelligence: Thoughts by astronomer Guy Ottewell

Renowned astronomer Guy Ottewell weighs in on artificial intelligence. Plus, apparently what AI says about him isn't accurate.

Moon’s inner core is solid, like Earth’s, scientists say

Researchers in France say that the moon's inner core is solid, with a density close to that of iron, solving a long-standing debate about the heart of the moon.

Fomalhaut has 3 nested belts around the star

Webb has spotted dusty debris disks around the star Fomalhaut. These 3 nested belts are similar to our solar system's asteroid and Kuiper belts.

Scientists find 19,000 undersea volcanoes

A team of scientists has just discovered more than 19,000 undersea volcanoes, aka seamounts. This almost doubles how many we knew existed before.

The Drake Equation and the late planet

Astronomer Guy Ottewell discusses how the recent discovery of a star swallowing a late planet can help refine an estimate for part of the Drake Equation.

Oceans for 4 Uranus’ moons likely, astronomers say

A new study suggests oceans for 4 Uranus' moons. If true, they'd join a growing number of ocean worlds in the outer part of our solar system.

Webb finds water vapor near star with exoplanet

Astronomers using NASA's Webb Space Telescope have found signs of water vapor. But is it on a rocky exoplanet or the planet's star?