Astronomy news
The latest astronomy and space news, including updates from the professional observatories and spacecraft exploring the cosmos.
Space companies want to send humans to Mars. But how realistic is it? These are the fiercest dangers we face making a trip to the Red Planet
The journey to put human feet on Mars is going to be a long one, so what might be the effects on the human body and mind as astronauts travel to the Red Planet?
Major breakthrough. Astronomers have found sugar in clouds between stars for the first time, hinting the ingredients for life formed in deep space
Researchers detected the sugar erythrulose in the molecular cloud G+0.693−0.027 near the centre of the Milky Way.
How to see two of the biggest, brightest asteroids in the night sky tonight and throughout October 2026
How to see bright asteroids Vesta and Pallas at opposition in October 2026, when the two asteroids will be at their best
October full Moon – how to see the 2026 Hunter's Moon
The 25 October 2026 full Moon will be the year's Hunter's Moon. Find out what this means and when to see it close to Saturn
Next full Moon 2026 calendar dates
Find out when the next full Moon is visible and full Moon names for 2026.
What's new?
Search for life on Mars takes major leap forward. Scientists detect longest organic molecules on planet to date
Scientists make discovery analysing rock pulverised for study by Curiosity rover. Largest organic compounds found on the Red Planet to date.
We may have found the first direct evidence of a ninth major planet in the Solar System
Planet 9 is the hypothetical ninth planet in our Solar System. Has it finally been found?
'I believe the Galaxy is teeming with life'. If you long for the discovery of alien biology, this scientist has good news for you
A review of Cloudy With A Chance of Starships by Seven Rasmussen and a Q&A in which the the author talks about the search for alien life.
Tomorrow morning the Moon meets Mars, then Jupiter. It's going to be spectacular. Here's how to see it
See the Moon meet Mars and Jupiter this week
Ever seen the creepy 'doorway' on Mars? We took a closer look at the image. Here's what's really going on
There's a strange feature on Mars that looks like a doorway into a cave
Space and astronomy news in brief
Brief, 1-minute reads giving you the latest, quick news in astronomy, space science and spaceflight
Scientists have detected radio signals from a planet beyond our Solar System
First time a radio signal has been confirmed as coming from a single planet rather than an entire system
NASA’s Moon orbiter found a 700-foot crater that wasn’t there before – and it's created a strange cold spot
A new crater has appeared on the Moon
Astronomers detected a strong signal from space lasting seven hours. Now they may have worked out what it was
Astronomers detected a strange signal of data – a 'blast' from space – that lasted for a total of seven hours.
