NASA confirms that 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet, dismissing speculation about alien origins. The agency shared images and data from multiple space missions to support this conclusion.
A hyperspectral camera has enabled the first precise measurement of blue auroral nitrogen ion (N₂⁺) emission altitudes during twilight, revealing a peak intensity at about 200 km—higher than previously known. This new method improves altitude estimation and supports models suggesting significant high-altitude N2+ presence.
Comet 3I/ATLAS reached perihelion on October 30, 2025. This article details the findings from observations of this interstellar comet, including its composition, activity, and orbital behavior, and how this data will inform future missions.
Scientists, including those at the SETI Institute, observed the comet and gathered data on its origin, composition, and trajectory.
Key findings include an unusual prevalence of carbon dioxide over water ice, a nickel-to-iron ratio differing from Solar System comets, and a brightening event near perihelion
Thpe data collected will be valuable for future missions like ESA’s Comet Interceptor, preparing scientists to study future interstellar visitors. The article highlights the role of citizen scientists through the Unistellar Network in contributing to these observations.
Scientists, including those at the SETI Institute, observed the comet and gathered data on its origin, composition, and trajectory.
Key findings include an unusual prevalence of carbon dioxide over water ice, a nickel-to-iron ratio differing from Solar System comets, and a brightening event near perihelion
Thpe data collected will be valuable for future missions like ESA’s Comet Interceptor, preparing scientists to study future interstellar visitors. The article highlights the role of citizen scientists through the Unistellar Network in contributing to these observations.
A total solar eclipse will sweep across Australia and New Zealand on July 22, 2028, bringing over five minutes of midday darkness. This article details the path of totality, where and when to view it, and related eclipse information.
Recent findings using AI reveal that Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, is rotating at near-maximum velocity with its rotation axis pointed directly toward Earth. This discovery, made possible by advanced neural networks and Bayesian statistical approaches, challenges established black hole theories and offers new insights into galactic formation.
The article discusses the Bronze Age civilizations of Greece, particularly focusing on the Minoan civilization in Crete, its achievements in architecture, craftsmanship, and astronomical knowledge, including the discovery of the 'Gate of Heaven' observatory on Papoura Hill near Knossos. It highlights the conflict between modern Greek authorities and scientists over the preservation of this ancient site, which is at risk due to plans for an airport expansion. The author argues that the Greek government, influenced by foreign powers, is neglecting and potentially destroying its own heritage, leading to a loss of national identity and historical continuity. The piece also touches on the broader context of Greece's historical struggles and foreign influence.
Months after arriving in orbit thanks to a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, NASA’s newest space telescope has started collecting images of the universe. The craft known as SPHEREx — Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer — shared a ride with another NASA mission for the trek on March 11.
The first test images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory have captured light from millions of distant stars and galaxies, and are expected to reveal thousands of previously unseen asteroids. The observatory is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
GJ504b is an exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star GJ 504, estimated to be three to six times more massive than Jupiter. It was directly observed as part of the SEEDS Project using the Subaru Telescope. The planet is faint, cold (about 500 K), and has a relatively clear atmosphere.
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected potential life-associated gases (dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide) in the atmosphere of planet K2-18b, but scientists urge caution and further investigation to rule out non-biological sources. The findings are considered a potentially revolutionary moment in the search for extraterrestrial life.
