Space

Science

In the solar eclipse's shadow, hundreds of students will launch balloons for NASA

4:50pm March 25, 2024

by Geoff Brumfiel

The eclipse on April 8 provides a unique opportunity for students across the country to conduct science. NASA is backing a nationwide project to collect data with research balloons.

Get ready for the first lunar eclipse of the year

8:00am March 25, 2024

The worm moon occurs when the moon lines up with the sun and Earth allowing the edges of the Earth's shadow to be cast onto the moon. Peak viewing time for the worm moon is 12:53 a.m. ET Monday.

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Astronaut Tom Stafford (left) and cosmonaut Alexey Leonov shake hands after the first docking of U.S. and Soviet spacecraft in 1975.

National

NASA astronaut Tom Stafford, famed for U.S.-Soviet orbital handshake, has died at 93

10:46am March 18, 2024

by Russell Lewis

Tom Stafford commanded the first Apollo mission to dock with a Soviet craft in space. He also served as commander of Apollo 10 - the dress rehearsal before NASA's first landing on the moon in 1969.

A woman watches an annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023 using special solar filter glasses at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. Here's why

5:00am March 18, 2024

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

When the April 8 solar eclipse draws eyes upward, having proper solar filters and solar eclipse glasses is essential to avoid potentially permanent eye damage, doctors say.

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People await the partial lunar eclipse over Vienna, on July 16, 2019. Astronomers say the comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will soon be visible to the naked eye.

Science

The 'devil comet' is visible in the night sky, and is sticking around for the eclipse

1:22pm March 17, 2024

by Joe Hernandez

Known as 12P/Pons-Brooks, the rarely seen comet prone to colorful outbursts could soon be viewed without a telescope or binoculars.

Eclipse enthusiasts wearing protective glasses view a partial eclipse from Beckman Lawn at Caltech in Pasadena, Calif., on Aug. 21, 2017. Another solar eclipse is just weeks away.

The eclipse gives astronomy clubs an opportunity to shine

7:00am March 16, 2024

by Scott Neuman

From Texas to Maine, they're teaching people how to enjoy the spectacle safely. Some will hand out glasses or answer questions at events. Others plan to take their own advice — and get outta town.

National

Starship, the largest rocket ever made, successfully launched

5:14pm March 14, 2024

by Geoff Brumfiel

SpaceX's third launch attempt of Starship took the spacecraft farther and higher than ever before.

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The SpaceX Starship spacecraft lifts off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Thursday.

Third time's the charm: SpaceX's massive Starship reaches space

10:56am March 14, 2024

by Geoff Brumfiel

SpaceX has successfully conducted a test launch of its massive Starship rocket in a major success for company, which saw the rocket explode in two previous test flights

The SpaceX Starship is seen as it stands on the launch pad ahead of its third flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas on March 12, 2024.

Elon Musk's giant Starship rocket is launching again. Here's what to expect

8:34pm March 13, 2024

by Geoff Brumfiel

The rocket is the largest ever built. It has yet to complete a full test flight, but the third time might be the charm.

People view a total solar eclipse at from the observatory at Rockefeller Center in New York City on Aug. 21, 2017.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

4:55pm March 13, 2024

by Joe Hernandez

From why you need them to how to check if they're legit, here's a guide to eclipse glasses so you can view next month's rare total solar eclipse safely.