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an illustration showing the hypothetical Planet 9 with blue rings and a question mark over it, with stars and a galaxy in the background
Planet Nine: Is the search for this elusive world nearly over? Astronomers have been scouring the outer solar system for signs of a hypothetical ninth planet for almost a decade, without success. However, we may finally be on the cusp of finding it, experts say.
Each bright spot in this image, the first all-sky image by eRosita, is black hole or a neutron star.
5 space discoveries that scientists are struggling to explain From "runaway" black holes shooting across the cosmos to secret planets in our own backyard, space is overrun with mysterious objects that scientists are clamoring to explain. Here are five of the strangest sights in the universe, as well as their possible origins.
An illustration of a large, round asteroid having a close encounter with the blue Earth
NASA's most wanted: The 5 most dangerous asteroids to Earth What is the most dangerous asteroid, how probable is an impact, and how much destructive power would a collision with Earth have? Here are 5 big space rocks that NASA is watching closely.

Latest about Space

illustration of the solar system from Earth, with the sun in the top right and the planets in the distance

Solar system quiz: How well do you know our cosmic neighborhood?

By Ian Stokes published

Quiz Test your knowledge on our solar system, from the biggest and smallest planets to the behemoth mountain on Mars.

Quiz
An illustration of the Vela pulsar with particles accelerated and launched out at near light speed by its magnetic field.

Destroyed observatory helped SETI unlock the secrets of 'cosmic lighthouses' powered by dead stars

By Robert Lea published

"Even years after the Arecibo Observatory's collapse, its data continues to unlock critical information that can advance our understanding of the galaxy."

Astronomy
The Space Launch System blasts off from its Florida launchpad.

NASA delays historic Artemis missions — yet again

By Ben Turner published

The Space Launch System blasts off from its Florida launchpad.

Space Exploration
A photo of the JWST rocket launch

'Eight billion bucks or bust': From pirates to 'stupid mistakes' — the wild story of how James Webb Space Telescope almost failed to launch

By Richard Panek published

"Budget overruns, bureaucratic malfeasance, congressional oversight, review-​board reckonings, the whole process of rethinking how to test a space telescope from the ground up: Webb had survived them all. One other factor, however, continued to create havoc with the budget and the launch timeline deep into the 2010s — what Menzel called 'stupid mistakes.'"

Space
Emily Calandrelli celebrates in front of the Blue Origin capsule after becoming the 100th woman in space.

100th woman in space, Emily Calandrelli, stands up to 'small men' on the internet: 'I should have expected this.'

By Pandora Dewan published

The astronaut and MIT engineer's monumental milestone was marred by misogyny: "Instead of being on cloud nine, I’m crying in my seat."

Space
Full moon shines on Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft

Artemis Program: NASA's plan to send humans back to the moon

By Adam Mann last updated

Basic information about the Artemis program's Space Launch System and Orion capsule.

The Moon
Side by side images show a splotch of green and blue in a black canvas with a red center, and a red yellow canvas on the right, with dark granules scattered around.

World's 2nd fastest supercomputer runs largest-ever simulation of the universe

By Keith Cooper published

The simulations will be used by astronomers to test the standard model of cosmology.

Space
Three of the best star projectors on a colorful background

Best star projectors 2025: Bring the cosmos indoors

By Tantse Walter last updated

BUYING GUIDE The best star projectors bring the wonders of the cosmos into your home — find the best models here so you're ready for Amazon Prime Day.

BUYING GUIDE
Someone using one of the best telescopes

Best telescopes 2025: Observe galaxies, nebulas and planets

By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated

The best telescopes offer an unparalleled view of the cosmos, and we've gathered our favorites just in time for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day.

Space
A pair of spacecraft orbiting Earth with the sun in background

Europe launches twin spacecraft to make daily solar eclipses in space. Here's what to know about Proba-3.

By Harry Baker last updated

On Dec. 5, 2024 the European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission sent two spacecraft into orbit around Earth. By aligning the probes, researchers will create 6-hour-long mini eclipses, allowing the sun's atmosphere to be studied like never before.

Space Exploration
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