Astronomy

Why does John McCain hate planetariums?

Phil Plait | Posted 10.09.2008 | Politics


Phil Plait

Planetaria show us the beauty and grandeur of the Universe, and shouldn't be cynically relegated to being a political bludgeon used to score cheap points.

New Discovery: More of the Worlds!

Joel Schwartzberg | Posted 06.25.2008 | Living


Joel Schwartzberg

Last week, astronomers uncovered new planets in the celestial lounge: we'll wonder how quickly they'll take our jobs, then we'll build a border fence around the planet. That's just the kind of worldly neighbors we are.

Astronomers: Discovery Of Earth-Like Planets Inevitable

space.com | Posted 06.24.2008 | Home


Planet hunters say it's just a matter of time before they lasso Earth's twin, which almost surely is hiding somewhere in our star-studded galaxy. Mom...

Human triumph on Mars

Phil Plait | Posted 05.26.2008 | Living


Phil Plait

This is what we humans can do when we try. When we persist and learn from our mistakes, we can literally touch other worlds.

Do Humans Deserve to Find Life on Other Planets?

Glenn Hurowitz | Posted 03.24.2008 | Living


Glenn Hurowitz

I find the idea of life on other planets enormously uplifting: life is a miracle. But the idea of our civilization finding life on other planets fills me with apprehension.

Astronomers Weigh Biggest Black Hole In The Universe

BBC News | Paul Rincon | Posted 01.10.2008 | Home


The biggest black hole in the Universe has been weighed by astronomers. The monster celestial object is 18 billion times more massive than our own Su...

Best Astronomy Pictures of 2007

Phil Plait | Posted 12.24.2007 | Entertainment


Phil Plait

Tonight, while you're pondering, weak and weary... Oops! Wrong poem! Before you settle down for a long winter's nap, let me suggest something a lot ...

Weblog Awards 2007: Vote For Real Science

Phil Plait | Posted 11.08.2007 | Living


Phil Plait

I was going to be much more low key about this year's Weblog Awards contest, but then things took an odd turn.

Hubble: Tentacles of Galactic Doom!

Phil Plait | Posted 10.30.2007 | Living


Phil Plait

There are important issues here or earth, to be sure -- but sometimes, it's nice to remember that there's a whole universe out there, filled to overflowing with grace and stunning beauty.

Extremely Cool Naked-Eye Comet

Phil Plait | Posted 10.28.2007 | Living


Phil Plait

Usually, comets are far too faint to see. But right now, there is a naked-eye comet gracing our skies.

Home Observatories Are Newest Luxe Home Accessories

New York Times | Kate Murphy | Posted 10.04.2007 | Business


In the quaint seaside community of Gloucester, Mass., on Cape Ann, one gray clapboard house stands out from the rest. It has a big white dome rising f...