Scientific Dreams in the Balance
Research breakthroughs are often sagas of passion, curiosity and sacrifice. If Trump’s proposed budget cuts for 2026 are enacted, many such journeys may never get started.
James Webb space telescope
New Studies Dismiss Signs of Life on Distant Planet
In April, astronomers said they had detected a possible signature of life on the exoplanet K2-18b. Now, three independent analyses discount the evidence.
Astronomers Detect a Signature of Life on a Distant Planet
Further studies are needed to determine whether K2-18b, which orbits a star 120 light-years away, is inhabited, or even habitable.
Scientists hail ‘strongest evidence’ so far for life beyond our solar system
Astrophysics team say observation of chemical compounds may be ‘tipping point’ in search for extraterrestrial lifeA giant planet 124 light years from Earth has yielded the strongest evidence yet that extraterrestrial life may be thriving beyond our sol…
6 Great Space and Astronomy Images From September
Close encounters with the sun, an astronaut’s long-delayed trip home and more visual highlights from this world and beyond.
Nasa says distant exoplanet could have rare water ocean and possible hint of life
Space agency said potential finding of dimethyl sulfide on K2-18 b, produced only by life on Earth, is yet to be confirmedScientists at Nasa have announced the existence of a possible rare water ocean on a giant exoplanet scores of light years away and…
In Space, the Past Is Future (and Equally Unpredictable)
Not even the most advanced physics can reveal everything we want to know about the history and future of the cosmos, or about ourselves.
Euclid telescope prepares for voyage to create largest 3D map of the cosmos
European Space Agency’s €1bn probe will travel 1m miles from Earth to shed light on dark universeFinal preparations are under way to launch a space telescope that aims to produce the largest, most accurate 3D map of the cosmos and unravel the dark forc…
Supermassive black hole at heart of ancient galaxy ‘far larger than expected’
Discovery of GS-9209, one of the furthest from the Milky Way, adds to evidence that large black holes prevent star formation, astronomers sayA supermassive black hole discovered at the heart of an ancient galaxy is five times larger than expected for t…