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Merging galaxies behaving strangely
When large and small galaxies merge, the large galaxy's central black hole typically gorges on gas and dust. But in a merging galaxy system called Was 49, the small galaxy has the feeding black hole.
April 1, 2017
Favorite octopus videos
Octopuses (aka octopi or octopodes) are so cool! Here are 5 of our favorite videos featuring those remarkable cephalopods.
April 1, 2017
Seahorse aurora
Seeing a seahorse shape in the shifting light of an aurora is an example of "pareidolia."
April 1, 2017
Mercury after sunset in early April
For northerly latitudes, we're now in the middle of Mercury's best showing in the evening sky for 2017.
April 1, 2017
Extend Big Dipper’s handle to Spica
Use the Big Dipper to arc to the star Arcturus. Then drive a spike to the star Spica on these springtime evenings!
April 1, 2017
No kidding! April Fools’ Comet
Comet 41P/Tuttle-Giacombini-Kresák will be closer to Earth on April 1 than it's been since its discovery. You need a telescope to see it, but there's an online viewing Friday night.
March 31, 2017
Watch Thursday’s spacewalk
Two ISS astronauts will be outside the space station beginning about 8 a.m. EDT (12:00 UTC) on March 30. The spacewalk is expected to last about 6.5 hours. Links to live viewing here.
March 30, 2017
Watch SpaceX rocket launch Thursday
The launch window for the reused - "flight proven" - Falcon 9 rocket opens at 18:27 EDT (22:27 UTC) on March 30. There's a two-and-a-half-hour launch window. Links to the live launch here.
March 30, 2017
Sun halo over snowy Cape Breton Island
Winter still lingers on Cape Breton Island, Canada. Photo by Kris Tynski.
March 30, 2017
Moon and Mars at nightfall March 30
Look in your western sky at nightfall and early evening. Mars will be the reddish "star" right next to the waxing moon.
March 30, 2017
