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A space shark, 'royal' auroras and a 'Venusian pearl': See the winners of the 2026 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest
A Royal Observatory Greenwich contest showcased work from around the night sky and the solar system, with prize-winning photos spanning topics ranging from auroras to planets.
Why aren’t free-floating planets captured when they fly past stars?
Wandering planets are not likely to be captured because the planet would have to lose energy to become gravitationally bound.
Spotlight: NWA Space and Science opens office space, public astronomy library and geology collection in Rogers
Inside a modest room nestled on the second floor of the Jones Community for Nonprofits in Rogers, the future of the Northwest Arkansas Space and Science Center is taking shape.
The big picture: Astrophotography buffs share tips and tricks
There's a whole range of equipment for taking photos of the universe. Aldrich Astronomy Society members share tips for every sky buff, and budget.
Spotlight: NWA Space and Science opens office space, public astronomy library and geology collection in Rogers
Inside a modest room nestled on the second floor of the Jones Community for Nonprofits in Rogers, the future of the Northwest Arkansas Space and Science Center is taking shape.
Moment of Science: Discovery of Galileo’s notes opens window into astronomy history
Turning back the pages through centuries of science! Dan Smith has the story of an Italian historian's incredible find on a library shelf. 🔭📜
Students found a star from the dawn of the universe drifting into the Milky Way
A group of undergraduate students stumbled into a cosmic time capsule—one of the oldest stars ever discovered—while combing through massive astronomy datasets. What began as a class project quickly turned into a breakthrough when they spotted an extraordinarily “pristine” star made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, hinting it formed near the dawn of the universe.
Astronomers explain X-ray flares of pulsar in BP Crucis system
Astronomers used XRISM observations to explain powerful X-ray flares from the pulsar GX 301-2 in the BP Crucis binary system.
UNM lecture to explore health risks of microplastics and environmental toxicants
The University of New Mexico Department of Physics, Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science hosts the next Science & Society Distinguished Public Talk on Wednesday, Feb. 19, featuring researcher Eliane El Hayek.
Moment of Science: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope set to revolutionize astronomy
It's NASA's latest way to peer into worlds beyond! Dan Smith has the scoop on the "Roman Space Telescope," slated to launch in the fall. 🚀🔭
The Artemis II mission reveals glory of God
Discoveries in physics, astronomy and biology — from the Big Bang to DNA code — challenge science-based atheism and point to evidence of a cosmic plan.
Books that shaped a universe: Reiff reflects on science, curiosity and imagination
For more than five decades, Patricia Reiff has explored the forces that shape Earth’s place in space. But when the Rice professor of physics and astronomy took the stage Jan. 15 for Friends of Fondren Library’s Books That Shaped My World series, her focus shifted from spacecraft and data to the books and people that have influenced how she thinks, teaches and lives.
Jodrell Bank Observatory facing closure after major funder cuts support
Scientists say decision is blow to UK astronomy as deep space observatory is home to world-leading facilities
A Cosmic “Barcode” Has Indeed Been Detected Around Black Holes - Futura-Sciences
It is hard to believe, but it has already been ten years since the first gravitational wave source was discovered. Named GW150914, for gravitational wave and the date of its observation, September 14, 2015, the signal reached Earth on that day and opened a new era in astronomy. GW150914 marked...
China wants to build the world’s largest astronomy base on Saishiteng Mountain
Telescopes at the remote site are set to surpass Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in light-gathering power by the mid-2030s, scientists say.
‘Sport as a Public Good’ talk spotlights gaps in youth sports education, access
There’s little that people enjoy more than play. Unfortunately, when it comes to our youth, we often fail in nurturing that love, former President of the U.S. Tennis Association and Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA Brian Hainline said. On Wednesday, April 15, Hainline spoke at the University of New Mexico Physics and Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science Building and said sports should be a public good to an audience including local sport leaders and athletes. He highlighted what he called an inadequate systemic support for sports in the U.S. Hainline’s lecture was hosted jointly by the UNM School of Medicine and Alumni Association.
Helio and You: Heliophysics as an American Endeavor
Heliophysics is an important cornerstone of the history of astronomy, and many of the pioneers in this field have been American. This article examines a bit of this history in depth.
Two's company: ISTA scientists identify new class of star remnants
In the vastness of the Universe, any new object with interesting properties can spur the search for similar objects, potentially establishing a new class of stars. In a paper published in Astronomy & Astrophysics and an arXiv preprint, researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) describe two stellar remnants that share five properties, including X-ray emission, despite being isolated objects. According to the team, these two remnants are sufficient to define a new class of stars.
Japanese Astronomical Society ex-president Shigeru Ida joins China’s Westlake
Top planetary scientist will lead young university’s new astronomy department after decades shaping human understanding of the universe.
Scientists turn 'mess' into breakthrough: Chaotic design unlocks next-generation optical devices
Researchers from the Monash University School of Physics and Astronomy have flipped a long-held assumption in optics, showing that deliberately introducing controlled disorder into ultra-thin optical ...
Jonathan Fortney, Dan Costa honored by American Geophysical Union
Astronomy and astrophysics professor Jonathan Fortney receives 2026 Whipple Award and ecology and evolutionary biology professor Dan Costa named 2026 AGU Union Fellow
Scientists Release Biggest 2D Map of the Universe
Key Takeaways The DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys combined more than 263,000 telescope exposures to make the largest 2D map of the universe in visible and near-infrared light. Astronomers can pair the Legacy Surveys map with their own observations to explore our universe and search for rare phenomena. The 2D map serves as the foundation for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument survey to measure the universe in 3D and investigate dark energy. Hold on to your telescopes: the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys team has released the largest-ever 2D color map of the universe. The 5.6-trillion-pixel map contains nearly 4 billion celestial objects, primarily stars and galaxies. The data is available for all to use and publicly viewable through the Legacy Survey Sky Viewer. Astronomers and citizen scientists can explore the map or combine it with their own observations to better understand our universe. Researchers can search for rare phenomena like gravitational lenses, observe fleeting events like supernovae, and investigate two of physics’ biggest mysteries: dark matter, the invisible substance that accounts for most of the mass in our universe, and dark energy, the force driving our universe’s accelerating expansion. The new map builds on earlier versions from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys that have already proved invaluable. To date, more than 1,800 science papers that reference the Legacy Surveys data have been published. “It’s part of the fabric of astronomy research now,” said David Schlegel, a co-lead of the Legacy Surveys and scientist at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). “When you’re working with astronomical objects today, you often start by pulling up the Legacy Imaging Viewer to see what you’re looking at.” Covering roughly 75% of the sky in visible and near-infrared light, the updated map provides a deep view of the extragalactic universe not blocked by the dust and stars of our own Milky Way. Researchers expect it will remain the most comprehensive 2D map of our universe for years to come. More than 160 scientists contributed to data collection for the project, and a team of 20 produced the final dataset released today. It was built by combining 263,407 telescope exposures from three ground-based sky surveys: the Dark Energy Camera Legacy Survey (DECaLS) at NSF Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, the Mayall z-band Legacy Survey (MzLS) at NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory, and the Beijing-Arizona Sky Survey (BASS) at the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory. That was supplemented by years of data from NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) satellite mission and additional public data. “For our team, these data are fundamental to our investigation of the expansion history of the universe and the formation of our galaxy,” said Arjun Dey, co-lead of the Legacy Surveys and an astronomer at NSF NOIRLab. “But the skies belong to everyone, and this survey gives everyone the chance to explore the sky and marvel at its wonders.” Here be galaxies The DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys were originally conducted to prepare for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. The Legacy Surveys’ 2D map is essentially a deep photograph of the sky; it records where galaxies and stars appear and how bright they appear. This crucial step enables DESI to select objects and measure their light in different wavelengths to determine their distances, building the largest high-resolution 3D map ever made. Scientists study the way galaxies have clustered at different ages of the universe to track dark energy over time. In April 2026, DESI completed its original five-year survey ahead of schedule and with vastly more objects than expected. The early results have shown surprising hints that dark energy’s impact may be weakening over time — a paradigm shift that could potentially shape the predicted fate of our universe. DESI expects to publish improved results using their first five years of data in 2027 and is continuing observations into 2028. DESI was so efficient at observing galaxies, the Legacy Surveys map needed to expand. Early on, “it became clear we might run out of galaxies to look at and run out of sky, and we better start doing something about that,” said Schlegel, who also works on DESI. The new Legacy Surveys map has been used to select DESI targets since June 2026 and will guide the telescope’s operations over the coming years. Computing the cosmos Merging hundreds of thousands of images taken on 2,285 nights, each with unique atmospheric and telescope conditions, was a massive computational effort. It took about a year to develop the computer code and eight weeks to process all the images at the Perlmutter supercomputer at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab. Beyond supporting DESI, the Legacy Surveys will be a foundational reference for the next generation of telescopes. As new observatories like the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory (jointly funded by NSF and DOE’s Office of Science) and NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope come online, researchers can compare their observations with one of the deepest and most comprehensive views of the sky ever assembled. The Legacy Surveys data will also help scientists train artificial intelligence tools to analyze petabytes of astronomical data and accelerate new discoveries. It will be among the datasets used in an astrophysics pilot project within the American Science Cloud, part of the DOE’s Genesis Mission. The DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys are supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of High Energy Physics; the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, a DOE Office of Science user facility; the U.S. National Science Foundation, Division of Astronomical Sciences; and the partner institutions. DESI is supported by the DOE Office of Science and NERSC. Additional support for DESI is provided by the NSF; the Science and Technology Facilities Council of the United Kingdom; the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation; the Heising-Simons Foundation; the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA); the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (SECIHTI) of Mexico; the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain; and by the DESI member institutions. ### Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is committed to groundbreaking research focused on discovery science and solutions for abundant and reliable energy supplies. The lab’s expertise spans materials, chemistry, physics, biology, earth and environmental science, mathematics, and computing. Researchers from around the world rely on the lab’s world-class scientific facilities for their own pioneering research. Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest problems are best addressed by teams, Berkeley Lab and its scientists have been recognized with 17 Nobel Prizes. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Pasadena Hosts National Astronomy Conference as Scientists Prepare for NASA’s Next Flagship Space Telescope
Daily Newsmagazine and City Guide to Pasadena, California featuring local news, breaking news, events, weather, sports news, schools news, shopping, restaurants and more from Pasadena Now
The 2026 Science Division Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
Gregory Reyes (Kresge ’76, biology), Larry de Ghetaldi (Merrill ’76, biology and chemistry), and Nicholas Suntzeff (Ph.D. ’80, astronomy) are recognized for careers of exceptional distinction in biomedical research, healthcare policy, and observational cosmology.
Roman Space Telescope Science Platform Will Open New Frontiers in Space Science
Preparations for NASA's soon-to-launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope have already introduced historic changes to the field of astronomy. Starting in 2027, Roman will deliver an unprecedented volume of complex survey data that will be impractical to download to individual computers for analysis. Astronomers and engineers at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), working in close collaboration with the mission’s partners at NASA and Caltech/IPAC, have met these new developments head
Scientists watch as two satellites burn
ESA's Samba and Tango closed out the 26-year Cluster mission with two targeted reentries a day apart, giving airborne researchers a rare, up-close look at how satellites really come apart.
A strange LIGO signal could reveal the missing link behind dark matter
An unusual gravitational wave signal has renewed hopes that primordial black holes, long considered purely theoretical, may finally be within reach of discovery. If confirmed, they could solve one of astronomy's greatest mysteries by explaining the nature of dark matter.
How an interdisciplinary approach is enabling faster health breakthroughs
Three ways that different disciplines, from astronomy to machine learning, are advancing medicine.
Cornell science educator David Kornreich, Ph.D. ’01, dies at 52
David Kornreich, Ph.D. ’01, who taught physics and astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, died Aug. 30 in a plane crash near Ithaca. Kornreich, a native of Houston, Texas, was 52.
iOS 26.3 adds new iPhone wallpaper section, expands gallery
iOS 26.3 beta 1 has arrived, bringing smaller changes including the wallpaper gallery expanding with a new dedicated Weather section.
“Graphic Talk About Science: Adventures in Science Engagement”
Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO), Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history, welcomes the public to the third Saturday Evening Talks & Telescopes of the season on Saturday, July 25, 2026. MWO is honored to present “Graphic Talk About Science: Adventures in Science Engagement,” a lecture by Clifford V. Johnson, from UCSB. This lecture explores how graphic storytelling can make cutting-edge physics more accessible, as Johnson discusses the science and creative process behind his illustrated book, “The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe.” Tickets are available here: www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture072526 During the six-month season, each Talks & Telescopes event runs from 5:30pm to 11:30pm with the “talk” portion of the evening beginning in the Observatory’s Auditorium. The 60+ minute presentation is followed by picnic dining—bring your own, or purchase from a food truck or caterer—and then, after the sun goes down, stargazing through Mount Wilson’s immense telescopes, the largest in the world made available to the public. Additional stargazing around the grounds will be available thanks to members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Both the 60-inch telescope and the 100-inch—the latter famously used by Edwin Hubble to discover the expanding universe—will be available for viewing the night sky. Priced at $50, this event series offers the most economical stargazing event option on the mountain. Tickets and more information are available on Mount Wilson Observatory’s website here: www.mtwilson.edu/lectures. Advance purchases are highly recommended. UPCOMING SATURDAY EVENING TALKS & TELESCOPES OF THE 2026 SEASON August 22: “Towards a Functional Cosmology” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture082226 Join artist Lita Albuquerque for a lecture on her multidisciplinary practice at the intersection of art, science, and cosmology. Drawing on decades of work across painting, land art, performance, and installation, she reflects on projects created in remote, astronomy-linked environments and how they shape her exploration of time, space, and human perception. September 19: “The Brightness of Stars: Henrietta Leavitt and the Transformative Nature of Attention in Art and Science” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture091926 Visual artist and author Anna Von Mertens explores the life and legacy of Henrietta Leavitt, whose study of variable stars enabled the first reliable measurements of cosmic distances. Working among the Harvard Computers, Leavitt laid the foundation for breakthroughs at Mount Wilson, including Harlow Shapley’s mapping of the Milky Way and Edwin Hubble’s discovery of an expanding universe. Drawing from her book “Attention Is Discovery: The Life and Legacy of Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt,” Von Mertens shares archival materials alongside her own artwork inspired by Leavitt’s life, to celebrate how careful attention leads to both scientific discovery and a meaningful life. October 17: “The Duality of Genius and Struggle: G.E. Hale” www.mtwilson.edu/events/lecture101726 This talk, presented by Sam Hale, explores the extraordinary life and legacy of his grandfather, George Ellery Hale—the visionary behind some of the world’s most important astronomical institutions. Drawing on both history and personal connection, Sam Hale offers insight into a legacy that continues to shape science and culture today. VISITING MWO The gate to Mount Wilson’s campus opens at 10:00am daily and closes at 5:00pm from early April through November. Entrance to the grounds is free. Visitors can hike, gaze at the telescope domes and towers that dot the landscape, and take a look at historic Mount Wilson photos and letters in the Museum. The Cosmic Cafe (www.mtwilson.edu/cosmic-cafe), located above the main parking lot at the Observatory entrance, is open on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition to traditional menu items such as hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, the Cafe offers wraps, salads, and sweet treats from Little Flower. PARKING A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory. A $5 day pass or a $30 dollar annual pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe on weekends between 10:00am and 5:00pm. During the week, passes are available at locations around Los Angeles. The most convenient location before heading up is at the Shell station in La Canada Flintridge at the bottom of the Angeles Crest Highway (https://find.shell.com/us/fuel/10007957-4530-angeles-crest-hwy/en_US). Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information about Passes and other locations to buy them: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass For more information about Visiting Mount Wilson Observatory, please visit: www.mtwilson.edu/visiting NOT ADA-COMPLIANT Please be advised that access to the 100-inch dome is via an open-air, 53-step staircase inside the building. There is no ADA-compliant access.
Rural areas have darker skies but fewer resources for students interested in astronomy – telescopes in schools can help
Stargazing can stimulate an interest in space in kids and lead to a passion for science. But rural schools often lack the resources to nurture these interests.
U.S. National Science Foundation, NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and U.S. Naval Observatory Partner on Pathfinder for Next Generation Very Large Array
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO), and the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) are advancing a new collaboration to support the future of high-resolution radio astronomy and astrometry, with the development of a pathfinder instrument for the proposed Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
Swope telescope: five decades of observing and reinvention
Astronomer Nidia Morrell looks back on more than 20 years of observing at the Las Campanas Observatory—an era marked by the transition from manual methods to digital systems—and reflects on the enduring relevance of a telescope that remains central to modern astronomy.
"People think science is about the truth. It's not" – Why everything we know about the Universe could be mere guesswork | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Are space science, cosmology and astronomy just guesswork? Considering the purpose of science and how we study the Universe.
Gravitational wave astronomy is now a fully mature science
In 2016, humanity announced our first successful gravitational wave detection. 10 years and 389 events later, here's how far we've come.
10 Questions With... Randall Milstein, who teaches about science, astronomy and the role of science fiction in popular culture
10 Questions with… Randall Milstein, professor of teaching. He teaches astronomy and energy alternatives classes in the physics department, and also teaches in the Honors College. He represents OSU as its affiliate representative for the Oregon Space Grant Consortium. He enjoys engaging with the public on topics of science, astronomy and the role of science fiction in popular culture.
Alex Filippenko named 2026 Dorothea Klumpke-Roberts Awardee
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific announced that Distinguished Professor of Astronomy Alex Filippenko will receive its 2026 Dorothea Klumpke-Roberts Award. The award recognizes noteworthy
Scientists Uncover “Astonishing” Hidden Property of Light
A newly uncovered property of light suggests it may be far more self-sufficient than previously believed.
UNK invites high school students to explore space science this summer
Participants will gain hands-on experience in physics, astronomy and engineering.
Halley’s comet may be named after the wrong person
A medieval monk may have beaten Edmond Halley to one of astronomy’s greatest discoveries by nearly 700 years. Researchers say Eilmer of Malmesbury recognized that the blazing comet seen in 1066 was the same one he had witnessed in 989. At the time, comets were viewed as terrifying omens tied to war and royal deaths, adding even more drama to the famous celestial event shown in the Bayeux Tapestry. The discovery is sparking debate over whether Halley’s Comet deserves a different name.
Submit an image to APOD
Images can be submitted to Astronomy Picture of the Day by email to the editors Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell. To submit an image, please use this mailto
Astronomy Picture of the Day’s Educational Links
Resources for astronomy research for learners of all ages!
China-US astronomy team may have found possible relic of a recent ‘gold factory’
Mystery glow seen in the Milky Way could be the result of a violent collision between two orbiting neutron stars, according to scientists.
Google’s Ex-CEO Backs Start-Up Approach to Big Telescopes for Space and Astronomy
Eric and Wendy Schmidt are backing a start-up-like approach to building a giant space telescope and powerful ground observatories.
High School Students Advance from State Science and Engineering Fair to International Competition
Charleston, W.Va. - The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce that Pavan Subramani from Morgantown High School (Monongalia County), Iqraa Zaman from George Washington High School (Kanawha County) and the team of Jaxon Milam and Joseph Nodurft from the Linsly School (Ohio County) have advanced from the 72nd annual West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair (WVSSEF) to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The state-level fair serves as the qualifier for the ISEF, and these four students will represent the Mountain State in Phoenix in May.To compete in the WVSSEF, students in Grades 3-12 had to win their local, county and regional science and engineering fairs. Today’s competition resulted in 48 first place winners, 53 second place winners and 46 third place winners. For the full detailed list, view the 2026 WVSSEF Official Results.The WVSSEF challenges students to think critically about the world around them, encouraging them to find answers to unsolved questions and address problems by introducing proactive solutions. Students are also provided the opportunity to present their projects to judges—industry professionals and university professors—to discuss the research findings, scientific methodologies and hypotheses involved in their work.“The West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair is a highlight of every school year, as it brings some of the Mountain State's most accomplished students together as a showcase of the immense talent and potential they possess," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "These young scholars show time and time again that the future economy of West Virginia is bright. The attention to detail in every project and the passion and joy expressed by our students are truly inspiring."The WVSSEF featured 273 aspiring scientists, chemists and engineers who presented 209 projects featuring material science, animal science, plant science, physics, astronomy, engineering and more.View event photos.
Celebrating a shared cosmos and advancing Black equity in space science
Black in Astro, co-led by an astronomy postdoc at UC Santa Cruz, welcomes all to join the grassroots organization’s virtual conference to find inspiration and connection in a vibrant global community
Scientists confirm a mysterious “cosmic barcode” hidden near black holes - Futura-Sciences
It is hard to believe, but it has already been ten years since the first detection of a gravitational wave source. Named GW150914, after the date of its observation on 14 September 2015, the signal reached Earth and opened an entirely new chapter in astronomy. It marked the first direct...
Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Hanga Andras-Letanovszky
The College of Science is proud to recognize 12 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Hanga Andras-Letanovszky is this semester's recipient from Astronomy & Steward Observatory!
Astronomy Picture of the Day Calendar
Click on a picture and discover the cosmos!
Space Telescope Science Institute
Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories and a world-class astronomical research center. Operated by AURA for NASA, STScI has helped guide the most famous observatory in history, the Hubble Space Telescope.
Hawaiʻi County announces Science Night at Keaʻau Armory
The free event will feature activities related to science, technology, engineering and math as well as hands-on experiments, space and astronomy exploration and more.
Star cluster discovery could change how scientists measure the universe
University of Missouri researchers have uncovered evidence that challenges one of astronomy's most trusted assumptions, a breakthrough that could reshape how scientists measure galaxies and reconstruct ...
Uncovering the science of aurorae
The physics behind the northern lights is just as colorful as their mythology, and we have sought to understand these lights for a long time.
Andy Weir on the science of ‘Project Hail Mary'
What would you do if you woke up on a spaceship light-years from Earth without knowing why you're there? Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Andy Weir, who also penned The Martian, Amazon...
Eighteen years of mobilizing marginalized students, making science more innovative
The Lamat Institute at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is a cohort-based research program designed to advance astronomy and planetary sciences by mobilizing the talents of students from marginalized ...
LSU to Open $148M Science Building This Fall
A 148,000-square-foot facility set to open in the 2026-27 academic year will have research and teaching laboratories with technology supporting the biology, chemistry, geology, math, physics and astronomy disciplines.
The 5 absolute best space images of 2026 (so far)
A dark, shark-shaped nebula 650 light-years away has won Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026. See the overall winner and the best category images.
Astronomy Activation Ambassadors: Embracing Multiple Perspectives
The Astronomy Activation Ambassadors (AAA) project, part of the NASA Science Activation program, aims to measurably enhance student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) engagement via middle school, high school, and community college science teacher professional development.
Northwestern summer program helps high school students REACH for science and art education
In just three weeks, a Northwestern summer program introduces high school students to astronomy, art and coding. The Research Experiences in Astronomy at CIERA for High School Students program trains students to become modern researchers, teaching them how to code and analyze data, according to REACH director James Schottelkotte. The program is running two three-week...
Historian Finds Scribbles in 500-Year-Old Book, Showing Galileo Galilei’s Slow and Steady Rejection of the Geocentric World
A discovery inside an ancient astronomy manual reveals the surprising roots of Galileo's cosmic rebellion.
Astronomy and space sciences are soaring right now with kids. Keeping them engaged is much harder.
Science, pop-culture are converging at a crucial time for STEM recruitment. But some methods work better than others.
UNM to host national leader in sports medicine for community lecture on concussions
The University of New Mexico Department of Neurology will host a community lecture featuring Dr. Brian Hainline on Tuesday, April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Physics and Astronomy Interdisciplinary Science (PAIS) Auditorium on the Albuquerque...
Astronomers discover possible planet born from a dead star’s ashes
A second-generation planet might be orbiting a white dwarf, in an astronomy first, according to new research.
China’s Next Megaprojects Are Built for Big Science
Data shows how China’s infrastructure drive is beginning to include new scientific instruments built to explore the frontiers of physics, astronomy, and energy.
Ten years of access to scientists: Astronomy on Tap returns to PYGMALION
When I think about space, the universe, and its vastness, I feel deep existential dread. We are but tiny blips. I have a lot of questions, and there isn’t an ask-an-astronomer hotline I can call, ...
Why do bars form in some spiral galaxies, but not in others?
Bars can form in any galaxy with ordered rotation; it is primarily the quantity of dark matter that controls whether a bar is present.
Science Sunday: Slllllither into spring break camp
The camp will give kids an insight into subjects like LEGO robots, geology, astronomy, forensics and more.
So, You Want to Buy a Telescope?
Are you getting ready to buy your first telescope? Carnegie experts offer some helpful advice for how to begin your backyard astronomy adventure!
Louisiana Art and Science Museum hosts Astronomy Day event for kids in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Art and Science Museum hosted an Astronomy Day event for kids in Baton Rouge as part of First Free Sunday.
Ukrainian Science Academy, Struck by Drone, Played Key Role in Research
Over 90 percent of Ukraine’s scientific discoveries have been attributed to Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences, including advancements in astronomy and military technology.
NMSU professor wins national science award for sun research
Juie Shetye. an astronomy assistant professor at New Mexico State University, is recipient of the National Science Foundation's CAREER Award for a junior faculty member's success in research combined with education.
From Materials Simulation to Experimental Astronomy, New NVIDIA AI Software Unlocks Scientific Discoveries
NVIDIA CUDA-X libraries, microservices and reference code accelerate AI for science.
A New Era of Exploring the Universe in Radio
With 263 antennas spread across the U.S. and Mexico, the Next Generation Very Large Array, would join a new wave of radio astronomy.
Scientists spot a new crater on the Moon
Explore the new Moon crater, the largest yet discovered, and its impact on lunar exploration.
American high school student stuns scientists by mapping 1.5 million previously unknown space objects - Futura-Sciences
A young mind builds an AI breakthrough Matteo Paz, a student at Pasadena High School, joined the Planet Finder Academy in the summer of 2022. The program immerses students in real world astronomy challenges. Under the mentorship of Caltech scientist Davy Kirkpatrick at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC),...
In Louisville, one naturalist connects stargazing, science and conservation
Dan Price, a NASA solar system ambassador and volunteer naturalist at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, discusses how dark skies connect astronomy, bird migration and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
NMSU solar research cohort at world’s largest Earth and space science conference
Eight students from a solar physics research group led by Juie Shetye, New Mexico State University astronomy assistant professor, were selected to present their work at the American Geophysical...
Top UA astronomy professor was also a women's sports pioneer
Marcia Rieke is recieving an honor from the Big 12 athletic conference Wednesday.
A father used Muse to prep his son for a quiz. He aced it.
Franco Lopez asked Meta's Muse AI agent to help his son prepare for an astronomy quiz. It made him flashcards and a custom podcast.
Astronomy, Materials Science Awards Plummet at NSF
Physics grants saw a smaller drop in grants awarded this year compared to other fields within NSF’s Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate.
Rubin Observatory alerts scientists to 800,000 new asteroids, exploding stars and other cosmic phenomena in just one night
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory sent scientists nearly 1 million astronomy alerts in one night, showing off changes in the sky. Eventually, the telescope is expected to reach 7 million alerts per night.
How do professional astronomers book time on JWST or Hubble?
Proposals are submitted annually by scientists who wish to use these facilities, and are reviewed by the Telescope Allocation Committee.
STScI Scientists Part of Collaboration Receiving 2027 Berkeley Prize
Scientists from the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) are members of the collaboration that has been awarded the 2027 Lancelot M. Berkeley–New York Community Trust Prize for Meritorious Work in Astronomy as part of their work with the UNCOVER project.
How should European scientists respond to the US AI kill switch?
Earlier in June, Europe’s worst fears of technological dependence were confirmed when the White House ordered the AI firm Anthropic to stop non-US citizens using its leading models. This kill-switch moment crystalised anxieties in Brussels that the continent, lagging the US on the creation of leading-edge AI models, is now a technological of vassal of Washington. The shock has specific implications for European scientists and universities. Some governments are now worried that with AI being integrated into labs, Donald Trump now has his finger hovering over an off switch for European science. “Having restrictions on this tool, it can have an impact on our own research,” said France’s research minister, Philippe Baptiste, at the VivaTech conference in Paris on June 18.Baptiste, himself a former academic, said that colleagues in mathematics had recently warned him they were now cut off from leading-edge US models, risking their work. “This model is not available anymore now because of the US restriction, and for the first time this had an impact on mathematics,” a field where large language models (LLMs) are making a significant contribution, said Baptiste. So, should European scientists avoid relying on US models in the future? Or would this be a self-harming overreaction? And how is AI being used in science, anyway? What happened?On June 12, it emerged that Washington, citing cybersecurity concerns, had ordered Anthropic to stop non-US citizens using two models: Claude Mythos 5, and Claude Fable 5, a version of Mythos but with guardrails to prevent abuse. Anthropic said Washington’s concerns were overblown. But forced to follow the order, yet with no way to check who was using the models, the company suddenly shut down access for everyone, US citizens included. There’s still no agreement on how to restore broad access. But last week, Bloomberg reported that select US companies, and the US government, still had access to Mythos despite the ban, but the EU’s cybersecurity agency Enisa had been shut out. Class division of researchersIn the longer term, access outside the US should be restored, said Marcel Salathé, co-director of the AI centre at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL), because a permanent restriction would be financially ruinous to US AI firms. “Even Trump will eventually budge to economic pressure,” he said.However, US AI firms might end up operating rather like banks, doing due diligence on users of their leading-edge AI models, he went on.European scientists are unlikely to fall foul of such checks, he said. But having a Chinese postgraduate in their lab, or doing a type of research the US disapproved of, could potentially result in access being denied. “It will create a sort of class division of researchers,” he said. More than frontier modelsHowever, successfully deploying AI in science is about far more than just having access to leading LLMs such as Mythos.Instead, many science-specific tools, most famously Alphafold, which predicts protein folding structures, require “far less” computing power to train than frontier models, well within the capabilities of European supercomputers, according to a recent analysis by the Arq Foundation, a Brussel-based AI think tank. Instead, tools such as Alphafold are possible because certain fields, like protein folding, weather prediction or astronomy, have large, clean, standardised datasets that can be used to train predictive models. Rather than compute, “data is the central constraint for AI for science,” the report says. For example, a less powerful physics model trained on CERN’s data “will be more valuable than the best model without certain data,” said Bengüsu Özcan, author of the report. European advantage?Europe could therefore steal a march by using its scientific data and infrastructure to create models US digital giants cannot. “They might actually match or go even beyond what these big [US] companies are doing,” said Özcan.Indeed, some European start-ups hope to create automated testing labs to create the kind of standardised data that could speed up the discovery of new materials. Materials scientists say there’s currently too little data to train models. AI scientistsHowever, even if the bottleneck for AI in science is often data, rather than compute, being at the mercy of the US for LLM access could still become a problem for European scientists. A new class of “AI scientists” based on leading LLMs is also emerging, Özcan’s report says.Unlike domain-specific tools like Alphafold, these try to automate day-to-day scientific work, by providing an overarching tool that coordinates specific models to synthesise existing literature, generate hypotheses or run analysis of data. The problem for Europe, however, is that these tools are sometimes based on US leading models. Google Deepmind’s AI Co-Scientist, for example, is built on Google’s Gemini LLM. Systematic failureThese scientific automation tools are still in their early stages, and still exhibit “systematic failures on scientific tasks,” Özcan’s report says. One of the problems is that the messy, day-to-day process of scientific discovery is largely not documented, meaning LLMs don’t have a good source of data to learn how scientists actually work. Meanwhile, some tasks, such as literature synthesis, don’t typically require access to leading edge models.However, the performance of AI scientific assistants could improve as companies such as Google pour resources into developing them. Rely on US“Unfortunately, for scientific assistants, there is not much we can do right now except rely on US frontier AI,” said Antoine Bosselut, a natural language processing expert based at EPFL. Chinese-built open models, which can run on local computers, lessening the risk of a shutdown, are touted as one alternative to US dependence. There’s also Mistral, once seen as Europe’s main AI hope, but the Paris-based company has seen its recent models fall behind in performance. But the Chinese alternatives are generally not as capable as US frontier AI models, said Bosselut, unless paired with fiddly, custom tools that allows them to act as independent agents. “Most scientists do not have the time,” he said. Don’t jump ship yetAlthough the kill switch moment is seen a warning shot for European scientists, it doesn’t mean labs should abandon US AI tools immediately. “I do not think the right response is simply to abandon US-based models and systems under the banner of sovereignty or independence,” said Mattias Björnmalm, secretary general of the Cesaer university association. “That would be an overreaction.”Related articlesEuropean sovereignty in AI requires ‘ugly trade-offs,’ say experts Robotic lab start-up makes case for €500M EU-funded materials testing facilityAI in science: is it useful? Instead, European researchers need to ask themselves whether they’re becoming dependent on technology that could be turned off in Washington, said Özcan. “They might not see this today, but they should really start asking this question,” she said. European researchers need a plan B, said Salathé. “I would recommend to every researcher, very proactively explore alternatives.”Own toolsIn addition, Björnmalm and others want European research institutions to develop their own scientific AI tools.Instead of signing AI deals with US digital giants, European universities should be using this money to create their own models, which may end up being superior for research, said Sabine Leonelli, an expert on the use of AI in science at the Technical University of Munich. “Universities in Europe seem to be happy to sign commercial contracts with US companies on the assumption [their AI tools] are better,” she said. But US frontier LLMs are typically opaque, and have been developed without independent scientific input, she said. “This is not good enough for science.”Last year, Swiss researchers released Apertus, an LLM designed to be completely transparent, from its development methods to its training data. The idea is that this makes scientific tools built on top of the model far more reproducible than with closed, commercial alternatives.“Europe needs more of this: serious capacity-building that gives researchers, universities and companies credible options,” said Björnmalm.
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