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Exoplanet has ruby and sapphire winds
The planet is so hot that these minerals would be vaporized. The clouds themselves would be visually stunning, these researchers said.
December 12, 2016
1st test of new theory of gravity
Eric Verlinde's new theory of gravity - an alternative to Einstein's theory - eliminates the need for dark matter. To test it, astronomers measured gravity around 33,000 galaxies.
December 12, 2016
Moontrail over Beijing’s Forbidden City
Jeff Dai created this moontrail photo by keeping his camera still, rather than tracking along with the stars. He said it was about a 3-hour exposure.
December 12, 2016
Moon hits Bull’s-eye December 12
On December 12, 2016 the almost-full moon occults, or covers over, the star Aldebaran. Meanwhile, this moon is obscuring the annual Geminid meteor shower.
December 12, 2016
What happens to Earth in 5 billion years?
What will happen to Earth when our sun becomes a red giant? A possible planet for the old star L2 Puppis may offer a sneak peek.
December 11, 2016
How to find Geminids’ radiant point
Best way to find the Geminid radiant is to see a meteor! Then trace its path backwards. But what if you want to find the radiant before seeing a meteor?
December 11, 2016
Bright early Geminid meteor
The 2016 Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of a full moon. Eliot Herman caught this early Geminid, emerging from its radiant point into a moonless sky.
December 11, 2016
Robot eyes to see asteroid Bennu
A spacecraft now traveling to asteroid Bennu will retrieve an asteroid sample. Scientists equipped the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft sophisticated cameras to watch it all unfold.
December 10, 2016
Sun halo and sun dogs
Rima Biswas in Baltimore, Maryland, captured the December sun with two sun dogs and a luminous halo.
December 10, 2016
New Zealand quake reveals new land
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of New Zealand's South Island on November 13 created a thin swath of newly exposed land. Before and after images.
December 9, 2016
