Astronomy
Rare solar eclipse wows millions across Europe and UK
The region's most significant celestial event since August 1999 brought total darkness to parts of Iceland and Spain while drawing millions outdoors across the UK.
Astronomers discover a new kind of cosmic object – a black hole ‘star’
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope identified MoM-BH*-1, an unprecedented black hole star formed 660 million years after the big bang.
Millions watch rare total solar eclipse sweep across Spain and Iceland
The rare total solar eclipse drew millions of visitors to rural vantage points across Spain and Iceland, prompting a massive security deployment amid severe seasonal wildfire risks.
North America prepares for partial solar eclipse and Perseids on August 12-13
While mainland Europe experiences its first total solar eclipse since 1999, North American skywatchers will see a partial eclipse followed by optimum dark-sky viewing conditions for the Perseids.
Perseid meteor shower and planetary parade peak alongside new moon
The August 12 celestial alignment combines a planetary parade and the Perseid meteor peak under dark skies, though visibility remains tied to weather and equipment.
When and where to see the solar eclipse in Scotland
The most dramatic eclipse visible from the UK since 1999 will see the Moon obscure up to 95% of the Sun, though weather patterns may shift the best viewing spots.
Solar eclipse chasers prepare to view August totality from Spain and Iceland
With totality occurring late in the day near sunset, authorities across Spain and infrastructure operators are deploying massive security and monitoring groups to manage crowds and low-horizon viewing risks.
Total solar eclipse to darken Spain for 1st time in a century
The upcoming celestial event brings daytime darkness to northern Spain for the first time in over a century, arriving alongside a rare planetary alignment and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
Catalonia evaluates weather prospects for August 12 total solar eclipse
Catalonia faces its first total solar eclipse in over a century on August 12, 2026, as forecasters analyze how late-afternoon thermal instability might impact viewing conditions in the zone of totality.
August 12 solar eclipse set to boost tourism in rural Spain
The 2026 total solar eclipse is driving a strategic surge in travel to Spain's rural inland regions, helping officials shift tourism away from crowded hotspots.
Astronomers detect first atmosphere on rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b
Researchers led by Collin Cherubim identified a helium-rich atmosphere on the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, marking a milestone in the study of terrestrial worlds.
Barnard’s Star planets found to be uninhabitable and mineral-rich
Scientific analysis has ruled out habitability for the four exoplanets orbiting Barnard's Star due to extreme heat, volatile geology, and atmosphere loss.
Beta Pictoris hosts a newly discovered faint planet after decade-long search
Researchers identified the dimmest planet ever directly imaged, uncovering a cold gas giant within the Beta Pictoris system after it remained hidden for 11 years.
Rubin Observatory begins decade-long cosmic survey in Chile
Equipped with the world's largest digital camera, the observatory is beginning a massive cinematic survey of the southern sky to track transient events. The project aims to study the universe by mapping billions of stars and galaxies over the next decade.
Beta Pictoris d discovered as the faintest exoplanet imaged from Earth
Researchers have confirmed the discovery of Beta Pictoris d, a gas giant 63 light-years away, while a separate study revealed four previously obscured stellar remnants.
James Webb telescope reveals origin of infrared light near black hole
New observations from the James Webb Space Telescope are challenging established timelines of galactic evolution by revealing how supermassive black holes grow.
NASA's Roman Telescope Will Spot Distant Black Holes That Shred Stars
A new study suggests the Roman Space Telescope will track star-shredding events to help researchers determine how supermassive black holes formed in the early universe.
FCC approves Reflect Orbital space mirror test despite safety concerns
Regulators have cleared an experimental space mirror test despite warnings from astronomers that the technology could disrupt research and ecosystems. The mission is the first step toward the company's proposed goal of providing sunlight on demand.
Archaeologists identify ancient Maya astronomer Sak Tahn Waax in Xultun
Archaeologists in Xultun, Guatemala, have identified Sak Tahn Waax, a Classic Maya mathematician-astronomer, through hieroglyphs found in a workshop. This discovery provides a rare link between individual intellectual labor and the broader traditions of ancient Maya astronomy.
The 25 Best James Webb Space Telescope Photos - PetaPixel
Marking four years of operations, the James Webb Space Telescope has used its infrared capabilities to transform our understanding of the universe.