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Today: April 01, 2025
Today: April 01, 2025
University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy

University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy

Staff Writer

Latest From University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy

Economy|Political|Science|Technology|US

Cutting funding for science can have consequences for the economy, US technological competitiveness

The jury’s out on whether the US is still at the top of global science. Proposed cuts to major agencies could mean completely ceding that title.

Cutting funding for science can have consequences for the economy, US technological competitiveness
Science|Technology

One large Milky Way galaxy or many galaxies? 100 years ago, a young Edwin Hubble settled astronomy’s ‘Great Debate’

Hubble’s work pushed the field of astronomy forward, starting with his paper demonstrating that some objects exist outside our galaxy.

One large Milky Way galaxy or many galaxies? 100 years ago, a young Edwin Hubble settled astronomy’s ‘Great Debate’
News|Science|Technology|World

Space junk in Earth orbit and on the Moon will increase with future missions − but nobody's in charge of cleaning it up

Treaties meant to ensure sustainability in space don’t currently regulate private companies, and not every country has signed on to an agreement for sustainable space exploration.

Science|Technology

NASA report finds no evidence that UFOs are extraterrestrial

Months after a military officer made sensational claims about unexplained objects in the skies, NASA released a report loosely outlining a scientific approach for analyzing UAP reports.

NASA report finds no evidence that UFOs are extraterrestrial
Science|Technology

Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in science

Some space rocks you can get for free – if you know how to identify them. Rarer materials cost more, and the asteroid sample NASA just brought back has a high price tag.

Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in science
Science

Why isn't there any sound in space? An astronomer explains why in space no one can hear you scream

Sound needs matter to propagate, so the vast vacuum of space is not just empty − it’s silent.

Why isn't there any sound in space? An astronomer explains why in space no one can hear you scream
Science

Orbital resonance − the striking gravitational dance done by planets with aligning orbits

Orbital resonance is kind of like musical harmony, but systems that display it are far more rare than songs with harmonic melodies.

Orbital resonance − the striking gravitational dance done by planets with aligning orbits
Science|Technology

The Mars Sample Return mission has a shaky future, and NASA is calling on private companies for backup

It’s not easy to collect rocks on a budget when the rocks are 140 million miles away.

The Mars Sample Return mission has a shaky future, and NASA is calling on private companies for backup
Science|Technology

Federal funding for major science agencies is at a 25-year low

Research funding is down in recent years despite promises made with the CHIPS and Science Act.

Federal funding for major science agencies is at a 25-year low
Science|Sports|Technology

Space travel comes with risk − and SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission will push the envelope further than any private mission has before

Traveling to space is riskier than many extreme sports − an increase in private missions could mean more civilians taking that risk.

Space travel comes with risk − and SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission will push the envelope further than any private mission has before
Science|Technology

Extraterrestrial life may look nothing like life on Earth − so astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolve

A specific set of chemical conditions led to the emergence of life on Earth. But can life emerge from other chemistries?

Extraterrestrial life may look nothing like life on Earth − so astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolve

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