Inside-out planetary system upends notions of formation

Scientists have found an inside-out planetary system. They did not expect to find a rocky planet out beyond the gaseous planets. How did it get there?

New clues to how giant galaxies formed in the early universe

Astronomers studying giant galaxies in the early universe have found some 40 galaxies tied together that will likely transform into 1 huge elliptical.

Tatooine exoplanets are oddly rare, and we finally know why

Tatooine exoplanets - or planets orbiting 2 stars - are rare. And a new study from UC Berkeley says Einstein's general theory of relativity is to blame.

Galaxy MoM-z14 confirmed as most distant object ever seen

Galaxy MoM-z14 - a bright galaxy that existed 280 million years after the Big Bang - is for now the most distant object ever measured by astronomers.

New discovery of ammonia on Europa hints at active geology

A new analysis of images from the Galileo mission has revealed deposits of ammonia on Europa. It could mean a geologically active crust and habitable ocean.

Spring fireball season is underway! Watch for them

Spring fireball season is now! The rate of fireballs (bright meteors) often goes up in the Northern Hemisphere by as much as 30% from February through April.

Dark matter, not a black hole, could power Milky Way’s heart

A new study suggests a dark matter core, and not a supermassive black hole, lies at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. Read more here.

Did we see a black hole explode? If so, it could explain a lot

Did we just witness a black hole explode? Astronomers observed a strange particle collide with Earth that could have been the result of a black hole exploding.

Simulation of Enceladus’ ocean shows strong potential for life

Researchers simulated the conditions in Enceladus' ocean and found that a wide variety of organic molecules can easily form, increasing the chances for life.

Ice-cold Earth? Possible new exoplanet might be chillier than Mars

Astronomers have discovered a possible ice-cold Earth exoplanet 146 light-years away. It might be colder than Mars, but there's a chance it's more Earth-like.