National Geographic News - Space

SPACE PHOTOS THIS WEEK: Tiny Galaxy, Sun's Iron, More

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A tiny galaxy helps uncover the secret life of dust, a stellar "autopsy" reveals something exotic, a stream runs through our galactic neighborhood, and more in our selection of the week's best space pictures.

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.

SPACE PHOTOS THIS WEEK: Tiny Galaxy, Sun's Iron, More

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

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.

"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.

SPACE PHOTOS THIS WEEK: Star Birth, Active Sun, More

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

A planet-forming disk has its temperature taken, a satellite spies on Fiji's mangrove forests, bright blemishes hint at increased action on the sun, and more in our selection of the week's best space pictures.

PICTURES: "Night Shining" Clouds Getting Brighter

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

Shimmering high in the atmosphere, night-shining clouds have long graced polar sunsets. But now the clouds are appearing more often and with more intensity at lower latitudespossibly due to climate change, scientists say.

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.