Astronomers know that supermassive black holes (SMBH) can inhibit star formation. These behemoths, which seem to be present in the center of large galaxies like ours, inject energy into their surroundings, heating up star-forming gas. Gas needs to be cool to collapse and form stars, so active SMBH put a damper on the process.
Space News & Blog Articles
Astrophotography: Primer for PixInsight
Master the basics of the most popular astronomical image-processing software.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket plume blossoms over Florida | Space photo of the day for Feb. 18, 2026
The NASA/SpaceX Crew-12 mission launched four astronauts on a journey to the International Space Station.
Best premium skywatching gear you should consider in 2026
This premium stargazing kit will help you take your stargazing experience to the next level.
Martian Volcanoes Could Be Hiding Massive Glaciers Under A Blanket of Ash
When we think of ice on Mars, we typically think of the poles, where we can see it visibly through probes and even ground-based telescopes. But the poles are hard to access, and even more so given the restrictions on exploration there due to potential biological contamination. Scientists have long hoped to find water closer to the equator, making it more accessible to human explorers. There are parts of the mid-latitudes of Mars that appear to be glaciers covered by thick layers of dust and rock. So are these features really holding massive reserves of water close to where humans might first step foot on the Red Planet? They might be, according to a new paper from M.A. de Pablo and their co-authors, recently published in Icarus.
Scientists may have found a 'missing-link' black hole ripping up and devouring a star
An unusual tidal disruption event spotted by astronomers may be the result of an elusive intermediate mass black hole ripping apart a star.
Revealed: 10 new insights in climate science
Each year, the world’s leading climate scientists evaluate the most critical evidence on how our planet is changing. Their assessments draw heavily on data from Earth-observing satellites – and the latest report delivers a stark warning: the planet’s energy balance is drifting further out of alignment, ocean warming is now accelerating, and the land’s capacity to absorb carbon is declining, along with other troubling trends.
Elon Musk wants to put a satellite catapult on the moon. It's not a new idea
Elon Musk isn't the first person to propose the use of mass drivers on the moon. He's following in the footsteps of space visionary Gerard O'Neill, who floated the idea back in 1974.
These are the best third-party camera lenses we recommend for astrophotography in 2026
Should you buy a named-brand camera lens or go third-party?
A Pulsar Near The Milky Way's Galactic Center Is A Perfect Set-up To Test General Relativity
The Milky Way's galactic center should be home to many pulsars, but for some reason, we can't find them. New research identified a candidate pulsar very near the MW's center. If it can be confirmed, it's a chance to test General Relativity.
Ground Teams Stop Flow of Liquid Hydrogen During Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal
This past weekend, ground crews at the Kennedy Space Center replaced a filter in the ground support equipment used for propellant loading. This filter was suspected of reducing the flow of liquid hydrogen into the Core Stage during the wet dress rehearsal of the *Artemis II* rocket on Feb. 12th. The test provided the engineers with enough data to prepare for a second wet dress rehearsal, which NASA is targeting for Thursday, Feb. 19th. This test will put the launch team and supporting teams through a full range of operations.
Io: Jupiter's Volcanic Moon
Io is the innermost of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter, distinguished as the most volcanically active world in the Solar System. Its extreme geological activity is a direct result of the immense tidal forces exerted by Jupiter, Europa, and Ganymede.
Did a titanic moon crash create Saturn's iconic rings?
A massive upheaval in the Saturnian system could have also led to the moon Hyperion.
An Ancient Merger Could Have Created Titan and the Debris Created Saturn's Rings
Every planet in the Solar System is mysterious in its own way. How did Venus evolve into such a hellscape? Did Mars ever support life? How did life on Earth get started?
Photometry: Measuring the Stars
Here's how you can contribute to the science of astronomy.
1st trailer for 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' teases 'Clone Wars' bounty hunter Embo and a whole lot of Hutts
"Gangsters. War criminals. We'll take out every bad guy in your deck of cards."
Planets, constellations and more: Here's what to look out for around the new moon on Feb. 17
Grab your telescope and join us on a sightseeing tour, before the moon returns to spoil the fun!
'Predator: Badlands' director Dan Trachtenberg talks hidden Easter eggs, deleted scenes, and if he's sticking around for more sequels (interview)
As Predator: Badlands decloaks on streaming and physical media, we've sat down for a quick spoiler-filled chat with its director.
Occupy Mars? Or the Moon? Get a Reality Check on Elon Musk's Plans
It’s an age-old debate in space circles: Should humanity’s first city on another world be built on the moon, or on Mars?
NASA will fuel up its Artemis 2 moon rocket for the 2nd time on Feb. 19. Will it leak again?
NASA will try again to fuel up its Artemis 2 moon rocket on Feb. 19. If all goes well, the crewed mission could launch as soon as March 6.
Chinese astronauts filmmusic video in space to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026
China's Shenzhou 21 crew rang in the Year of the Horse with an impressive celebration aboard the nation's Tiangong Space Station that included filming a music video.

