Features

How to make a solar system

Mysterious gaps in dusty disks around other stars may explain the way our solar system looks.

Web extra: How protoplanets create gaps in dusty disks

Watch as a new planet forms and cuts a gap in the dusty disk of its birth. Understanding the details of this process could help explain the evolution of solar systems.

Will dark energy tear the universe apart?

Our cosmic fate depends on the biggest unknown in science.

Web extra: Future experiments to probe dark energy

Ground and space-based future detectors may give astronomers the information they need to determine what dark energy is.

Understanding the weirdest stellar explosions

Stars swallowing planets – or each other – could explain surprising stellar outbursts.

Web extra: Observing a bizarre stellar outburst

Howard Bond shares his experience capturing V838 Monocerotis.

Can we win the war against light pollution?

The night sky is getting brighter. Here’s how we can reverse the trend.

All about M81 and M82

These galactic gems offer a dazzling sight and high-level astrophysics to boot.

Web extra: M81 and M82 on display

We share some of our favorite images of these galaxies from our online collection.

iOptron’s lightweight mount supports on-the-go observing

Put your favorite small scope on the MiniTower, and let it be your celestial guide.

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