A telescope’s last view
Astronomers discover the last three planets the Kepler telescope observed before going dark.
Gravitational-wave detectors start next observing run to explore the secrets of the universe
The next run will be the most sensitive search yet for gravitational waves.
Study doubles the number of known repeating fast radio bursts
Statistics tools support the idea that all radio bursts may repeat if observed long enough.
George Clark, professor emeritus and X-ray astronomy leader, dies at 94
Longtime MIT faculty member led investigations into cosmic-ray physics and gamma-ray and X-ray astronomy.
MIT HUMANS project breaks down borders, empowering global voices to reach for the stars
The HUMANS nanowafer, an MIT Space Exploration Initiative student-led project, will travel to the ISS this month, and later to the moon, carrying messages in more than 64 languages from over 80 countries.
Research pulled Michael McDonald in and it won’t let go
Since his first encounter with a research telescope, the astrophysics professor hasn't slowed in his quest to understand the behavior of galaxies.
In a first, astronomers spot a star swallowing a planet
Earth will meet a similar fate in 5 billion years.
Astronomers detect the closest example yet of a black hole devouring a star
The event was spotted in infrared data — also a first — suggesting further searches in this band could turn up more such bursts.
New black hole images reveal a glowing, fluffy ring and a high-speed jet
The observations will help astronomers pin down the physics of the plasma around black holes.
A message to meteorite hunters: Put down your magnets!
A new study shows that simple hand magnets erase a meteorite’s magnetic memory.
Understanding our place in the universe
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar Brian Nord trains machines to explore the cosmos and fights for equity in research.
Scientists map gusty winds in a far-off neutron star system
The 2D map of this “disk wind” may reveal clues to galaxy formation.
MIT welcomes 2023 Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b Fellow Juliana García-Mejía
The fellowship supports research contributing to the field of planetary science and astronomy.
Planet hunting and the origins of life
George Ricker and his team at the MIT Kavli Institute are mapping the entire sky for signs of life.
Mix-and-match kit could enable astronauts to build a menagerie of lunar exploration bots
Robotic parts could be assembled into nimble spider bots for exploring lava tubes or heavy-duty elephant bots for transporting solar panels.