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Read news from the world of astronomy for the week of June 14, 2024.

JWST has found evidence of an asteroid collision in a nearby solar system. Plus, a new study examines Martian gullies to determine if the red planet ever has flowing water. And NASA's lunar radio experiment has obtained a unique view of Earth.

Latest News

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Webb Telescope Sees Evidence of Asteroid Collision Around Nearby Star


New data suggest the star Beta Pictoris has cleared away the remains of an asteroid pulverized as recently as two decades ago.

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What Martian Gullies Mean for Water on Mars


Martian gullies have been the center of a debate about whether Mars ever has flowing water. Now, a comprehensive study examines the question.

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Short-lived Experiment Marks Start of Radio Astronomy from the Moon


Despite a mission glitch, NASA’s lunar radio experiment ROLSES (carried to the Moon on the Odyssesus lander in February) obtained a unique “view” of Earth.

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"Death Star" Black Holes Can Swivel Their Million Light-Year Long Plasma Beams


Heavyweight black holes sometimes topple over on their sides, according to X-ray and radio observations of their jets.

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Starlink Flares Can Fool Anyone — Even Airline Pilots


Under the right conditions, Starlink satellites can flare as brightly as Venus.

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Observing Highlights

This Week's Sky at a Glance, June 14 – 23


When the stars come out for North America tomorrow night, you'll find the Moon shining nearly midway between Spica and Gamma Virginis (Porrima). Gamma Vir is an equal-brightness double star for telescopes. The pair is oriented almost north-south.

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Meet Shaula: The Scorpion’s Triple-Pronged Stinger


Meet Shaula, the bright star on the Scorpion's tail. It's a challenge for northern observers, but easy to find if it clears the horizon!

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Why We Look Up: Anticipation


The wait until nightfall can make observing cosmic wonders all the sweeter.

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June Podcast: Spotting the Serpent Charmer


Grab your curiosity, and come along on this month’s Sky Tour. Learn how to spot three planets before dawn and to track down a snake-handler in the early summer sky. Presented by: Celestron.

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Community

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Astronomy Festival on the National Mall


The Astronomy Festival on the National Mall features telescopes, activities, lectures, and a chance to mingle with astronomers. 

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