A Cosmic Arrow Pierced Pluto's Heart — Is It Still There Beneath the Surface?

A giant impact likely formed Pluto’s heart-shaped basin, Sputnik Planitia. A big chunk of the impactor’s core might still be buried under the ice.

What Happens After a Supernova Blows?

New time-lapse videos from the Chandra X-ray Observatory show the Crab Nebula and the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant over more than 20 years.

China's Chang'e 6 Mission Heads to the Moon

China’s ambitious Chang’e 6 mission will attempt to return a sample from the lunar farside.

This Week's Sky at a Glance, May 3 – 12

The Great Diamond is a gigantic spring asterism. Start with Spica, its bottom. Upper left is Arcturus. Almost as far upper right is Cor Caroli and lower right from there is Denebola.

Ready the Hot Cocoa and Recliner — Here Comes the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower!

You might be tempted to sleep through this annual shower but then you’d miss seeing some of the fastest meteors around.

Meet Alkaid, the Big Dipper’s Handle

Alkaid is the end star of the Big Dipper's handle, a bright-blue example of a nearby B-type star.

May Podcast: Big Dipper Shows the Way

High above you on May evenings is one star pattern that just about everyone knows: the Big Dipper. This “Swiss Army Knife of the sky” can help you find many other key springtime stars and constellations.

'Ask an Astronomer' Competition!



Calling all young science enthusiasts! Do you have an astronomy question? The Herschel Museum of Astronomy has teamed up with the Bath Astronomers to answer your questions!