Could the asteroid Ryugu be a remnant of an extinct comet?
Asteroids hold many clues about the formation and evolution of planets and their satellites. Understanding their history can, therefore, reveal much about our solar system. While observations made from a distance using electromagnetic waves and teles.....»»
Close-up images of DART’s asteroid smashup reveal complex debris
A CubeSat trailed the DART asteroid impactor, capturing images of debris set loose. Enlarge (credit: ASI/NASA) In 2022, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirect Test (DART) smashed into the asteroid Dimorphos in a successful test.....»»
Asteroid impacted by spacecraft is reshaped like an M&M ‘with a bite taken out’
In 2022, NASA deliberately crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid. Now astronomers have found that the impact may have reshaped the asteroid significantly......»»
NASA"s planetary radar images slowly spinning asteroid
During the close approach of 2008 OS7 with Earth on Feb. 2, the agency's Deep Space Network planetary radar gathered the first detailed images of the stadium-size asteroid......»»
This famous supernova remnant is hiding a secret
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have peered into the famous SN 1987A supernova remnant and found something special inside......»»
Astronomers find first strong evidence of neutron star remnant of exploding star
An international team of astronomers including UCL's (University College London's) Professor Mike Barlow has discovered the first conclusive evidence that a neutron star exists at the center of Supernova 1987A, a star explosion observed 37 years ago......»»
A botanical Pompeii: Researchers find spectacular Australian plant fossils from 30 million years ago
The Australian continent is now geologically stable. But volcanic rocks, lava flows and a contemporary landscape dotted with extinct volcanoes show this wasn't always the case......»»
Capturing a comet"s tail to keep Earth safe from the sun
A comet is set to pass by Earth this spring, and it may be missing its tail......»»
Scientists may have cracked the "aging process" in species
New research from the University of Kansas might resolve a mystery in the "aging process" in species—or, how a species' risk of going extinct changes after that species appears on the scene......»»
Can astronomers use radar to spot a cataclysmic asteroid?
How can humans protect the Earth from "devastating asteroid and comet impacts?" According to the National Academies and their 2023-2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey, ground-based astronomical radar systems will have a "unique rol.....»»
NASA"s final tally shows spacecraft returned double the amount of asteroid rubble
NASA finally has counted up all the asteroid samples returned by a spacecraft last fall—and it's double the rubble return goal......»»
NASA announces OSIRIS-REx bulk sample mass: 121.6 grams
NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft delivered 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams) of material from asteroid Bennu when it returned to Earth on Sep. 24, 2023; the largest asteroid sample ever collected in space and over twice the mission's requirement......»»
NASA has collected a whopping 121 grams of sample from asteroid Bennu
NASA has revealed that its OSIRIS-REx mission delivered 121 grams of material from asteroid Bennu, which is more than twice the mission's goal of 60 grams......»»
After a decade and $1.2 billion, NASA reveals its booty from Bennu: 121 grams
A long way, and a lot of money, for half a cup. Enlarge / A view of eight sample trays containing the final material from asteroid Bennu. (credit: NASA/Erika Blumenfeld & Joseph Aebersold) After years of speculation, NAS.....»»
Water is discovered on asteroids — by a defunct NASA mission
Astronomers used data from NASA's SOFIA mission, which ended in 2022, to spot water on the surface of two asteroids located in the asteroid belt of our solar system. A pioneering NASA 747 aircraft outfitted with a big telescope was retired a co.....»»
Researchers: Australians would rather save a single human life than prevent an entire species from becoming extinct
Australia is in the grip of an escalating extinction crisis. Since colonization, 100 native plant and animal species have become formally listed as extinct due to human activities. The actual number is undoubtedly far higher......»»
New study suggests birds began diversifying long before dinosaurs went extinct
A multi-institutional, international team of evolutionary biologists, genetics specialists and phylogenomicists has found evidence that bird species began diversifying long before the dinosaurs went extinct......»»
A new study makes the case for asteroid strikes setting in motion global glaciation in the distant past
A research team has picked a side in the "Snowball Earth" debate over the possible cause of planet-wide deep freeze events that occurred in the distant past. According to their new study, these so-called "Snowball" Earth periods, in which the planet'.....»»
From growing roots, clues to how stem cells decide their fate
It might look like a comet or a shooting star, but this time-lapse video is actually a tiny plant root, not much thicker than a human hair, magnified hundreds of times as it grows under the microscope......»»
Chinese astronomers find radio pulsar in a supernova remnant
Using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), astronomers from the Nanjing University in China and elsewhere, have detected a radio pulsar in a supernova remnant known as CTB 87. The finding is reported in a paper published.....»»
Results from South Pole Telescope"s new camera emerge
For more than five years, scientists at the South Pole Telescope in Antarctica have been observing the sky with an upgraded camera. The extended gaze toward the cosmos is picking up remnant light from the universe's early formation. Now researchers h.....»»