New 3D map of Milky Way ‘could help shed light on galaxy’s origin and future’
UK astronomers have produced a new 3D map of the Milky Way made up of nearly two billion stars.
solar system
Seven-billion-year-old stardust in meteorite ‘oldest solid material found’
Stardust that formed up to seven billion years ago, and fell to Earth in a meteorite half a century ago, is believed to the oldest solid material ever found.
Nasa probe Voyager 2 reveals cosmic findings after reaching interstellar space
Nasa’s Voyager 2 has reported back with its initial cosmic findings – a year after becoming the second man-made object to “leave” the Solar System.
Astronomers seeking out-of-this-world names for new planets
Can you think of a better name for a new planet than WASP-13b?
Microscopic experiments ‘shed light on chemical structure of giant planets’
Experiments on a microscopic scale have helped scientists shed new light on the chemical make-up of the solar system’s largest planets.
Could Pluto regain its planet status? These scientists are keen to see it happen
Ever since Pluto was downgraded and given the “dwarf planet” status in 2006, debates have been raging among the scientific community about whether the decision was justified.
Jupiter and Venus have been messing with Earth’s orbit for 215 million years
Jupiter and Venus have been pushing Earth’s orbit off-track for at least 215 million years, according to a new study.
Scientists listen out for ET within solar system
They may come in peace, or on a mission to invade Earth…
Our sun is losing mass and weakening its grip on the solar system, study finds
The sun is losing mass and weakening its grip on the solar system, scientists have found, after analysing Mercury’s orbit.
New scientific theory about life on Earth involves alien bugs hitching a ride on space dust
Space dust may have transported alien bugs to Earth – or terrestrial microbes to other planets, research suggests.
Venus and Jupiter met in the skies at dawn and it was a celestial marvel
Early risers were treated to a cosmic event on Monday morning as Venus and Jupiter appeared side by side in the skies.
Google Maps now offers a tour of the solar system
We may still be decades, if not centuries, away from our dreams of becoming space tourists but thanks to Google Maps, we can now explore parts of the solar system without having to leave our sofas.