The conditions for life throughout the Universe are so plentiful that it seems reasonable to presume there must be extra-terrestrial civilizations in the galaxy. But if that’s true, where are they? The Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program and others have long sought to find signals from these civilizations, but so far there has been nothing conclusive. Part of the challenge is that we don’t know what the nature of an alien signal might be. It’s a bit like finding a needle in a haystack when you don’t know what the needle looks like. Fortunately, any alien civilization would still be bound by the same physical laws we are, and we can use that to consider what might be possible. One way to better our odds of finding something would be to focus not on a direct signal from a single world, but the broader echos of an interstellar network of signals.
Space News & Blog Articles
Gotcha: Firm Evidence for a Neutron Star in Supernova 1987A
After decades of debate, James Webb Space Telescope observations provide firm evidence of a neutron star inside the 1987A supernova remnant.
James Webb Space Telescope spots neutron star hiding in supernova wreckage
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers spotted a neutron star that evaded detection for 37 years. It lives in Supernova 1987A, the aftermath of a stellar explosion in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Webb finds clues of neutron star at heart of supernova remnant
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has found the best evidence yet for emission from a neutron star at the site of a recently observed supernova. The supernova, known as SN 1987A, occurred 160 000 light-years from Earth in the Large Magellanic Cloud. SN 1987A was observed on Earth in 1987, the first supernova that was visible to the naked eye since 1604 — before the advent of telescopes.
Radio signals from Orion nebula reveal new data about strange celestial objects: 'JuMBOS'
Astronomers have discovered a radio signal from a 'JuMBO' in the Orion nebula, a weird celestial object discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope that defy star and planet formation models.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching for record-tying 19th time tonight
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch for a record-tying 19th time tonight (Feb. 22), sending a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit.
New 'Lunarcraft' game lets you build your own moon base in the Minecraft world
JAXA's new 'Lunarcraft' game allows Minecraft fans to create an outpost on the moon.
Intuitive Machines moon lander sends home a haunting crater picture ahead of touch down today
The Intuitive Machines Odysseus lander imaged a crater on the moon ahead of its expected landing today. It may soon become the first private lander to touch down on the moon.
Live coverage: Intuitive Machines aims to become first commercial lander to safely reach the Moon
Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander named Odysseus cruises over the near side of the Moon on Feb. 21, 2024, a day ahead of its scheduled landing attempt. Image: Intuitive Machines
Update 2:34 p.m. EST: Intuitive Machines said it “chose to exercise an additional orbit before starting the IM-1 mission landing sequence” and therefore, adjusted the anticipated landing time.
Astroscale’s Satellite is Now Chasing Down a Real Piece of Space Debris
Space debris is a thing.. It seems whether we explore the Earth or space we leave rubbish in our wake. Thankfully, organisations like Astroscale are trying to combat the problem of debris in space with a new commercial debris inspection demonstration satellite. Named ADRAS-J, the satellite – which is now in orbit – is hunting down an old Japanese upper stage rocket body which was launched in 2009. It will approach to within 30 metres to study the module from every angle and work out how it can be safely de-orbited by a future mission.
'Intruder' stars have changed Earth's climate over the eons. Here's how.
Intruding stars may have thrown Earth's orbit off-kilter in the past, causing shifts in our planet's climate, a new study suggests.
Powerful twin solar flares erupt from sun as cell phone outages spike across US (video)
Tens of thousands of outages were reported by major cellular carriers throughout the United States after a pair of powerful solar flares erupted from the sun on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22.
Astronauts celebrate success of 1st surgery robot on ISS: 'It's a real game-changer'
Space delays during surgery? No sweat. A team of surgeons showed a robot can safely slice through rubber bands in space, in research that could one day help faraway astronauts.
New mission to track changes in the cryosphere
Video: 00:15:00
Tracking ice lost from the world’s glaciers, ice sheets and frozen land shows that Earth is losing ice at an accelerating rate. Monitoring the cryosphere is crucial for assessing, predicting and adapting to climate change.
'Constellation' episodes 1-3 review: A well-made thriller that may be revealing its cards too soon
Apple's new sci-fi thriller 'Constellation' dazzles in its opening episodes, but it may lack the juice needed to keep us engaged.
Satellites increasingly critical to monitor ocean health
Playing a huge role in moderating the climate, oceans are fundamental to the functioning of our planet. Understanding more about how seawater temperatures are rising and how oceans are absorbing excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, as well as knock-on issues such as ocean acidification, is key for understanding climate change and for taking effective action.
Ariane 6 ready for unloading
Image: Ariane 6 ready for unloading
An asteroid the size of a bus will fly near Earth on Feb. 22 — but don't worry (video)
A newfound asteroid the size of a bus will zoom close by Earth on Thursday (Feb. 22), but it shouldn't pose a threat to our planet.
What time will Intuitive Machines' private Odysseus probe land on the moon on Feb. 22? How to watch live
Intuitive Machines will land its private Odysseus IM-1 lander on the moon on Feb. 22. Here's when and how to watch.
Can We Survive in Space? It Might Depend on How Our Gut Microbiome Adapts
For over a century, people have dreamed of the day when humanity (as a species) would venture into space. In recent decades, that dream has moved much closer to realization, thanks to the rise of the commercial space industry (NewSpace), renewed interest in space exploration, and long-term plans to establish habitats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), on the lunar surface, and Mars. Based on the progression, it is clear that going to space exploration will not be reserved for astronauts and government space agencies for much longer.
Delta Air Lines wants to fly you through the 2024 total solar eclipse from 30,000 feet in the sky
Delta Air Lines is offering special flight that allows passengers to experience the total solar eclipse from 30,000 feet up in the sky along the path of totality.
