Space

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- Planets
Glass beads help scientists puzzle out how baby planets grow
Researchers have mimicked the first stages of planet formation in the lab. All they needed were glass beads and a catapult.
- Space
NASA’s Parker probe spots rogue waves and magnetic islands on the sun
The Parker probe’s first data is giving scientists a look at what’s to come as the craft moves closer to the sun over the next few years.
- Space
Dust-shrouded monster is a snapshot from the early universe
Scientists have spotted a massive galaxy from the early universe shrouded in dust. It turned up in a small survey by the ALMA radio telescopes in Chile.
- Space
Explainer: Understanding meteors and meteor showers
Meteors regularly enter Earth’s atmosphere. Most ‘shooting stars’ pose few risks to life on the ground, but the rare big ones can be lethal.
- Physics
Magnetic fields may supercharge the sun’s release of heat
Astronomers have linked flame-like tendrils rising from the sun to changes in its magnetic fields. This may be one step toward understanding why the sun’s corona is so very, very hot.
- Physics
First heavy element identified from a neutron-star collision
Scientists have at last witnessed newborn strontium in the afterglow of a neutron-star smashup. It confirms what they had suspected about how many massive stars are created.
- Planets
Astronomers spot new type of storm on Saturn
These storms are bigger and longer lasting than squalls but not nearly as massive as this planet's Great White Spots.
- Space
A black hole slashed a star apart — and was caught in the act
Scientists have gotten their earliest look yet at a black hole ripping up a star.
- Planets
Saturn now reigns as the solar system’s ‘moon king’
Saturn now boasts at least 82 moons, surpassing Jupiter’s 79 natural satellites.
By Sofie Bates - Space
Scientists Say: Black hole
This is an object in space with such a strong gravitational pull that nothing, not even light, can escape
- Planets
Does the moon influence people?
Unless you believe in werewolves (and you shouldn’t), there are few compelling data to suggest the moon has a big effect on people.
By Erin Wayman - Planets
Spotted: An exoplanet where it might rain
A planet outside the solar system appears to have clouds with liquid water.