National Geographic News - Science

Earliest Known Galaxies Spied in Deep Hubble Picture

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

By "pushing Hubble to the limit," astronomers have created the deepest view yet of the universe, revealing tiny, blue galaxies that are now the earliest known.

Yearlong Star Eclipse May Help Solve Space Mystery

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

On New Year's Day a mysterious disk eclipsed a bright star—and won't let up for 18 months. Now scientists hope to test an idea that might solve the centuries-old puzzle behind the phenomenon.

Stuck Mars Rover About to Die?

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Built to rove for 90 days, Spirit has lasted six years on Mars. But now it's stuck and may lose power by May. Even standing still, though, Spirit can do a surprising amount of science, NASA says. Video.

Five New Planets Found; Hotter Than Molten Lava

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NASA's new Kepler space telescope has already spotted five new planets, each hotter than molten lava and one as dense as Styrofoam.

Isaac Newton: Who He Was, Why Google Apples Are Falling

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Today animated apples are tumbling on Google—a birthday tribute to Isaac Newton, father of gravitational theory and so much more. Find out why he still matters.

"Blue Moon" to Shine on New Year's Eve

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Howling at the full "blue moon" this New Year's Eve might be the most appropriate response: The popular definition is rooted in an editorial error, experts say.

North Magnetic Pole Moving Due to Core Flux

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Earth's north magnetic pole is racing toward Russia at almost 40 miles (64 kilometers) a year due to magnetic changes in the planet's core, new research says.

Top Ten Space Pictures: Best of 2009

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A silvery meteor, a cosmic "butterfly," and a rare green comet feature among the most beautiful, dramatic, or surprising space news pictures of the year, as chosen by National Geographic News editors.

Fog Seen on Saturn Moon Titan--A First

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Earth-like fog shrouds chilly lakes on the south pole of Saturn's largest moon, confirming that Titan has an active "methane cycle," astronomers say.

Winter Solstice 2009: Facts on Shortest Day of the Year

Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Today is the 2009 winter solstice, the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. Find out why and how the year's darkest day has been celebrated for centuries.