Sky and Solar

How fast is the universe expanding? Astronomers may be one step closer to resolving 'Hubble trouble'
16 March 2026

The local universe may be expanding more slowly than previously thought, a discovery that could relieve a pesky discrepancy known as the Hubble tension.
100 years after Robert Goddard's 1st liquid-fueled rocket launch, NASA is using the technology to send astronauts back to the moon
16 March 2026

100 years after Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket, NASA is preparing a return to the moon with the Artemis program to extend humanity's reach into deep space.
Astronomers discover a new type of planet that probably smells like rotten eggs
16 March 2026

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have discovered an example of a new class of exoplanet, and it smells like rotten eggs.
'Villains are the heroes of their own movie': We chat to 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' showrunners about building an iconic Trek villain
16 March 2026

'It promises that this is just the beginning of the story for these characters. There's so much more to tell.'
Timboy Chaco in the Mars borderlands | Space photo of the day for March 16, 2026
16 March 2026

Scientists are searching for evidence of microbial life left behind in these mineral deposits.

Molten lava world points to new class of planet
16 March 2026

Observations of the nearby exoplanet L 98-59 d suggest it belongs to a previously unrecognised class of planet that features vast magma oceans and sulphur-rich atmospheres. The discovery hints that many more exotic planetary types may be waiting to be found.
How to see the 3 March total lunar eclipse
25 February 2026

A total lunar eclipse is centred on the mid-Pacific 3 March, visible to observers in New Zealand and sweeping eastern Australia and western USA, with a large partial eclipse extending further east and west.
Diamond downpours in the outer Solar System
11 February 2026

Here’s some crystal-clear advice for you Valentine’s Day travellers this February. Head for the outer Solar System, where it is a jewellery-lover’s delight with a steady downpour of solid diamonds forecast across all four gas giant planets.
The Moon’s February world tour
30 January 2026

Get ready for a month packed full of thrilling Moon-related events! From occultations of stars and planets, and even an eclipse, the Moon has some treats in store for astronomers around the world.
Dr Allan Chapman (1946-2026)
26 January 2026

We were profoundly saddened to be informed of Dr Allan Chapman’s passing last week. A few months shy of his 80th birthday, Allan was a towering intellect in the field of the history of astronomy. His knowledge of the subject was second to none, and his indomitable spirit captivated audiences far and wide.
Potentially bright ‘sungrazing’ comet discovered
16 January 2026

A potentially large member of the Kreutz family comets is speeding its way to a perihelion encounter during the first week of April this year. The object was discovered on 13 January 2026.