SUNSET: 
New Fuel for Type Ia Supernova Debate
The origin of the stellar explosions known as Type Ia supernovae has been a topic of hot debate for decades. A new study adds fuel to the fire.
In Memoriam, Star-style
Twenty-five years ago, a star exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The first easily seen supernova since before astronomers turned telescopes to study the heavens, the explosion heralded a new age of astronomy.
No Winds of Change for Eta Carinae
Faint echoes from the massive, hot star’s Great Eruption suggest that a standard explanation for that event may not match what really happen. Not conclusive, the new study is sure to kick off debate among stellar astronomers.
Sunspots' Secrets Unraveling
For the first time, astronomers have detected an elusive molecule in the cool interiors of sunspots that might help them understand what causes the phenomena and better predict changes in space weather.
Vast New Trove of Variable Stars
Newly online: light curves for 198 million stars. The latest great mass of variable-star data comes from the Catalina Sky Survey — which is actually looking for asteroids.
Black Hole Shoots Bullets
Observations of a black hole that spat out twin blobs of superhot material may help astronomers understand how the mysterious beasts create powerful jets that shoot out from their poles. The blobs appeared just as the system went quiet in X-rays.
Kepler Finds Two "Deep-Fried" Planets
The incredibly successful Kepler spacecraft is discovering alien solar systems at a dizzying pace. Now it's found a system in which two planets have apparently survived a journey inside their host star, during its swollen red-giant phase.
Young Stars Aren’t So Young
Astronomers age-dating the nearest large association of young stars have found that one subgroup may be twice as old as previously thought.
Another Origin for Cosmic Rays
Recent gamma-ray observations support the longstanding theory that superspeedy particles called cosmic rays have their origin in the havoc-ridden regions around young star clusters.
Sunspot Points at Earth
A huge solar blemish mars the Sun’s disk, in perfect view for Earth-based observers.
Chinese Supernova Keeps its Secrets
Astronomers find hints of what kind of explosion caused a "guest star" spotted in ancient skies, but the case isn't closed.
"Blue Stragglers" Renewed by Stealing
Some deceptively youthful stars may find their fountains of youth in material they grab off other stars.
Two Interesting Alien "Worlds"
More and more astronomers are searching for planets around other stars — in the hope of finding the biggest, smallest, hottest, coolest, and most Earthlike candidates. Here's a peek at two recently-discovered oddballs.
Hunt for Supernova Origins
New observations are beginning to uncover the origins of some Type Ia supernovae.
Neutron Star Gobbles Gas, Burps X-rays
Astronomers have observed a neutron star flaring to 10,000 times its original brightness.
A Case for Frozen Hydrogen
Can hydrogen freeze solid in interstellar clouds? If so, it might contribute to a mysterious form of interstellar light absorption.
Black Hole Gobbles Star
A powerful Gamma Ray Burst captured by the Swift space telescope earlier this year gives astronomers a unique chance to study tidal disruption.
A Strange New Type of Supernova
Telescopes have picked up a handful of exploding stars that are extremely bright, blue, and distant — and astronomers don't quite know what to make of them.
Supernova Erupts in Whirlpool Galaxy
Supernova 2011dh in M51 seems just past its peak at around magnitude 12.7. With the Moon now gone from the evening sky, the next clear nights are your best chance. It should be visible through an 8-inch telescope in any but the worst skies.
New Insights on "Tycho's Supernova"
The famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe watched a star explode in 1572. Now new observations strongly suggests that there was an accomplice in its demise.
