Astronomy

Two independent measurements of the universe’s expansion give incompatible answers. Now a third method, advanced by an astronomy pioneer, appears to bridge the divide.

A recent neutron star merger has defied astronomers’ expectations, leading them to question longstanding ideas about neutron stars and the supernovas that create them. “We have to go back to the drawing board.”

Seeing meaning in the stars is a vital part of the scientific story.

Hit the trail with the Mars rovers, on the hunt for water and life.

The results of galactic colonization models are a mixed bag for SETI optimists.

Bringing the Drake Equation up to date.

If there’s life beyond Earth, the genetic code might be our common bond.

It’s lonely to be an exceptional planet.

Physicists have long searched for hypothesized dark matter particles called WIMPs. Now, focus may be shifting to the axion — an ultra-lightweight particle whose existence would solve two mysteries at once.

Avi Loeb has a lot of thoughts about aliens and scientific prejudice.

A breakthrough in understanding exoplanets.