SUNSET: 
Scientists Wonder: Is the Origin of Life Extraterrestrial?
A new analysis method has revealed DNA building blocks in meteorites, suggesting that these prebiotic molecules might have formed during the solar system's earliest years.
How to Observe and Measure Naked-eye Sunspots
As Solar Cycle 25 ticks up, naked-eye sunspots are becoming more frequent. They're not only fun to observe, but with this simple method you can determine just how big they are. We also have news on a bright supernova!
New Target for Asteroid Probe: “Potentially Hazardous” Apophis
Once the primary mission of NASA's OSIRIS-REx is complete, the spacecraft will head toward a new destination: near-Earth asteroid Apophis.
Cocoons Around Dying Stars Could Explain New Type of Stellar Explosions
A recently discovered type of stellar explosion might fit right in among the spectrum from regular supernovae to massive gamma-ray bursts.
Happy Birthday, Hubble!
The Hubble Space Telescope turns 32 on April 24th, and the team behind the telescope is marking the occasion with the release of a galactic family picture.
Celebrate Dark Skies This Week, April 22–30
Are you interested in combating light pollution? International Dark Sky Week, which starts today, offers events in which you can learn how.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 22 – 30
Arcturus, Spica, and Corvus put on their spring show. The Pointers point straight down at nightfall, which means Leo walks the high south and the Arch of Spring spans the west.
Celebrate Spring with the Lyrids
People have been watching the annual Lyrid meteor shower for more than 2,700 years. Come join the crowd!
Hubble Image Reveals Possible Quasar Forerunner
A distant object in a deep Hubble Space Telescope field could be in transition from ordinary galaxy to brilliant beacon of light.
What's in Store for the Next Decade of Planetary Science
Big winners in the planetary science decadal survey include a Uranus flagship mission, a orbiter and lander for Enceladus, and an emphasis on planetary defense.
Plan Now for the 2023 Solar Eclipse in Western Australia
Here's what to know if you want to see this hybrid (mostly total) solar eclipse next year.
Icy Moon Europa May Host Water Near the Surface
Radar measurements of ice on Earth suggest that Jupiter's moon Europa might host water near its surface.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 15 – 23
Orion descends, Leo walks sideways, the Dog Stars stand up straight, the Moon wanes past full, and at dawn, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Saturn form a diagonal straight line.
Apollo 16 in Pictures: “The Most Dazzling Place”
We celebrate Apollo 16 with a look back at photos from the mission that took two astronauts to the lunar surface for three days of exploration.
Summer on Neptune is Surprisingly Chilly
Even though Neptune is entering its version of summer, it's actually cooling down — except for its poles, which are mysteriously warming up.
U.S. Space Force Releases Data on Bright Fireballs
The U.S. Department of Defense has released data on some 1,000 bright fireballs. Scientists are still debating if the data confirm an interstellar meteor.
This Week's Sky at a Glance, April 8 – 16
The gibbous Moon passes through Leo and Virgo as it waxes toward full, forming new Moon-and-stars "lunarisms" (patterns) each evening. Mercury begins a new apparition in the sunset. At dawn, Jupiter emerges to join the lineup of Venus, Mars, and Saturn.
Listen to the Martian Soundscape
Two microphones on Mars, carried on NASA's Perseverance rover, are for the first time revealing the sounds of another planet.
How to Safely See a Solar Eclipse
Our star is an amazing object to observe, whether by eye or with optical aid. These time-tested tips will let you see the solar disk worry-free.
Two Years to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse!
It’s never too early to start getting excited — and begin planning — for an event as spectacular as a total solar eclipse.
