The Long History of Comet Phobia
Even the invention of the telescope couldn't convince all people to put aside superstitions about comets.
The Protestant Astrology of Early American Almanacs
The wildly popular books helped people understand farming and health through the movement of the planets, in a way compatible with Protestantism.
Why Your Zodiac Sign Is Probably Wrong
The science of astronomy is at odds with the basic organizing principle in astrology: the dates of the zodiac.
Seeing Black Holes
Two of the scientists on the huge team that eventually captured the world's first image of a black hole discuss the particular challenges of the task.
Rotating Black Holes May Serve as Gentle Portals for Hyperspace Travel
Feel like visiting another star system or dimension? You can do this by traveling through a black hole.
The Women Who Made Male Astronomers’ Ambitions Possible
In the late 19th century, Elizabeth Campbell helped her astronomer husband run the Lick Observatory and lead scientific eclipse-viewing expeditions.
Asteroids Are Windows to the Past
Japan’s space agency has landed rovers on Asteroid Ryugu. The photos and samples from the mission will reveal a lot about asteroids.
America’s First Woman Astronomer
Maria Mitchell became famous when she discovered a comet in 1847. She didn't stop there, fighting for education and equality for women in the sciences.
Solar Eclipse Tourism: The Victorians Were the Pioneers
People have been planning for this month's total solar eclipse for years. They aren't the first to do so: the Victorians pioneered eclipse tourism.
M-Dwarves and the Search for Life
In recent years, astronomers have broadened their search for habitable planets to include previously ignored stars like M-dwarves.