Science

Black holes, dark matter, gravitational waves and exoplanets: find out how astronomy is unlocking the secrets of the Universe.

Suomi NPP

How Earth-orbiting satellites monitor climate change

This composite image of the moon using Clementine data from 1994 is the view we are most likely to see when the moon is full. Image Credit: NASA

Astronomy explained Why do we always see the same side of the Moon?

An illustration showing what generates Hawking radiation.

Astronomy explained What is Hawking radiation?

Equinoxes occur when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. For Earth, this is the point that the planet’s axis points neither towards nor away from the Sun. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Autumn equinox 2021: when it is and what it means

Tom Johnson Celestron

How mass-produced telescopes brought astronomy to the masses

The Lunar Ark’s cryogenic storage could be powered by solar panels. Credit: 3000ad/Alamy Stock Photo

Could an ark on the Moon ensure Earth’s survival?

A Chandra X-ray Observatory image of galaxy NGC 4636

X-ray reveals the secrets of the Virgo Cluster

Artist’s conception of the view toward the young star Beta Pictoris from the outer edge of its disk. This disk of dust and gas orbiting the star is produced by collisions between and evaporation of asteroids and comets. Credit: NASA/FUSE/Lynette Cook

Did planetary migration stunt Mars’s growth?

A Cave in Marius Hills by Avani Soares, Parsec Observatory, Canoas, Brazil. Equipment: C14 Edge, ASI 290, IR Pass 685

A cave and lava tubes in the Moon’s Marius Hills

Artist's impression of the European Extremely Large Telescope in operation. Credit: ESO/L. Calçada

7 telescopes that changed how we view the cosmos

Astrophysicist Carole Mundell pictured in front of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory

Radio Astronomy Podcast The largest radio telescope in the world

The hunt for Green Pea galaxies has been swept along by citizen scientists. The distinctive colour is due to the glow of excited oxygen. Credit: Richard Nowell and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

What are Green Pea galaxies?

The moons of Uranus, including (clockwise from top) Miranda, Umbriel and Ariel, could have oceans under their surface. Credit: NASA/JPL

Are there subsurface oceans on the moons of Uranus?

Comet 45P Sails in the Dark by José J. Chambó, Mayhill, New Mexico. Equipment: Takahashi FSQ-106ED 530mm f/5, SBIG STL-11000M

Gallery Short-period comets

Particle physicist Dr Harry Cliff

Radio Astronomy Podcast How to make a Universe from scratch