Stars don’t form out of nothing, but tracking the gas and dust that do eventually form stars is hard. They float around the galaxy at almost absolute zero, emitting essentially no light, and generally making life difficult for astronomers. But, part of how they make life difficult is actually the key to studying them - they have “absorption lines” that detail what kind of material the light is passing through on its way to Earth. A new paper from Harvey Liszt of America’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Maryvonne Gerin of the Sorbonne details how tracking those absorption lines via radio astronomy can trace the “dark neutral medium” of interstellar gas throughout the galaxy.
Space News & Blog Articles
Spotting New Interstellar Comet C/2025 N1 ATLAS
Looking at the prospects for seeing the latest interstellar visitor to our solar system for yourself.
Ancient Rivers in Noachis Terra Reveal Mars' Long-Lived Wet Past
There's very little scientific debate about the existence of surface water on Mars in its past. The evidence at this point is overwhelming. Orbiter images clearly show river channels and deltas, and rovers have found ample minerals that only form in the presence of water. Now the scientific debate has moved on. Scientists are trying to learn the extent of Martian surface water, both on the planet's surface and through time.
Primordial Black Hole Flybys Could Alter Exoplanet Orbits
Though our Solar System and the movement of its planets appears relatively sedate, there are many things that could upset it. Anything with enough mass that got close enough could disrupt planetary orbits. This includes primordial black holes (PBH).
Keeping wastewater flowing into tomorrow's coffee | On the ISS this week July 7 - 11, 2025
The Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 crews spent their second of two weeks together conducting science aboard the International Space Station.
Sunspot crackling with magnetic 'bombs' is now turning toward Earth (photo)
Astrophotographer Philippe Tosi captured explosive Ellerman bombs on the sun's surface as an active sunspot turned toward Earth.
Prime Day is over but savings are still active — invest in some new optics for the return of Saturn to late-night skies
Prime Day finished on July 11 and there are still some late savings on telescopes and binoculars, but they won't last forever.
I couldn't keep quiet about $1000 off the Sony A7R V in this anti-Prime Day deal
The Sony A7R V mirrorless camera plunges to just $3200 at Walmart, a staggering $1000 saving that eclipses Amazon's Prime Day price!
The Fortress of Solitude: Every live-action incarnation of Superman's iconic ice hideout
As the newest Superman film hits theaters, we cast our X-ray vision back on every live-action incarnation of the Fortress of Solitude, from its 1978 debut to its 2025 return.
Don't miss the last full 'Manhattanhenge' sunset of 2025 light up NYC today
"July Manhattanhenge is what I call the goodbye to the grid."
These Amazon Prime Day deals must end tonight — don't miss out on big savings across skywatching optics
It's the last day of Amazon Prime Day and some of these deals are ending tonight. Grab some new optics in time to see Saturn's rings!
Last chance budget-friendly Prime Day star projector deal — now under $14
We tested the YGiTK Northern Galaxy Lights Projector and loved its multifunctionality and near-silent operation — today's your last chance to save 26%.
Billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman donating $15 million for Space Camp programs
Jared Isaacman, the billionaire private astronaut who until recently was on track to lead NASA, is donating $15 million to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for its Space Camp programs.
Types of Planets
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of planets, based on their physical characteristics, composition, and location—used in both our solar system and exoplanet classification:
Asteroid 2024 YR4 won't Earth but it could still ruin your day: Here's how
Earth may be safe from an impact by the asteroid 2024 YR4, but it still has a chance of striking the moon. This lunar impact could pose a risk to space tech and astronauts.
Today is your last chance to save a massive $165 on one of the best camera drones for Amazon Prime Day
You can save a massive $165 on the DJI Air 3, one of the best camera drones, which we think is the perfect balance of power and portability.
Today is your last chance to save 20% on the most iconic starship in the Star Wars universe this Amazon Prime Day
The Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon set is a faithful reproduction of the most legendary Star Wars starship; you'll have to make the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs to grab one, though.
As NASA's budget shrinks, Europe doubles down on Earth science: 'Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation'
If NASA must pull back, Europe is ready to step up — and do so with open arms.
NASA SLS rocket booster spews fire | Space photo of the day for July 11, 2025
The test encountered an anomaly.
US Space Force practices 'orbital warfare' in largest-ever training event
The United States Space Force is undertaking its largest training exercise ever, in order to demonstrate that it is "prepared to fight and win in space."