You’ve heard this story before. An advanced alien race comes to Earth. They offer peace and prosperity, but they hold a dark secret. One that could destroy humanity. That dark secret has varied over the years, from stealing our water, books on culinary advice, or communism, but the result is always the same. First contact with advanced extraterrestrials goes very badly for us. But in reality, how bad could it be? That’s the question a new study examines using game theory and Hobbesian philosophy.
Space News & Blog Articles
Supermassive black holes eat more quickly than expected, 3D simulations suggest
Supermassive black holes are even more fearsome eaters than scientists suspected, thanks to a "delivery system" that could help them feed over months rather than hundreds of years.
Auroras galore! Solar storm slams into Earth and sparks stunning northern lights display (photos)
A strong geomagnetic storm sparked by a coronal mass ejection triggered impressive aurora light shows around the world. We take a look at some of the best photographs here.
Firefoxes and whale spouts light up Earth's shield
Video: 00:00:56
Did you know, the Northern lights or Aurora Borealis are created when the mythical Finnish ‘Firefox’ runs so quickly across the snow that its tail causes sparks to fly into the night sky? At least, that’s one of the stories that has been told in Finland about this beautiful phenomenon. Another that we love comes from the Sámi people of Finnish Lapland (among others), who describe them as plumes of water ejected by whales.
After 1 year in space, what's next for an astronaut? 'Peace and quiet' on Earth, Frank Rubio says (video)
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio spoke from the International Space Station on Sept. 19 just ahead of his record-breaking year in space mission date on Sept. 21. The Hispanic American told Space.com why role models are important to him.
Japan's SLIM moon lander completes 1st critical phase in Earth orbit
Japan's SLIM moon lander has passed a first critical operation period in Earth orbit, meaning its solar panels, communications, propulsion and other systems are working well.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft changed how we think about asteroids. Here's how.
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission taught astronomers how little they know about space rocks. They might be only a few hundreds of feet wide, but their geology appears surprisingly complex.
DARPA wants new ideas for space weapons
The U.S. Department of Defense wants fresh ideas on how to maintain military superiority in space.
Introducing Magic: Analog Sky’s New 3D Printed Binoculars for Astronomy
A new project promises to ‘bring back the magic’ to night sky observing.
ESA Open Day in the framework of European Researchers’ Night
ESA will open its doors to members of the public at its Earth Observation centre in Frascati, near Rome, Italy, on 29 September, as part of its annual open day.
Trio of Sentinel satellites map methane super-emitters
In the quest to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, detecting methane leaks – a potent contributor to global warming – has become increasingly vital. Researchers are harnessing the capabilities of cutting-edge satellite technology to monitor these leaks from space.
The Race to Find the Farthest Galaxy Continues
The very early Universe was a busy place, particularly when stars and galaxies began to form. Astronomers eagerly search for the farthest galaxy—that elusive “first” one to form. JWST is part of that hunt through its Cosmic Evolution Early Release Survey (CEERS).
Live Coverage: SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 on record-breaking 17th flight for booster
SpaceX will push the boundaries of booster reusability Tuesday night with the scheduled launch of a Falcon 9 using a first stage rocket making its 17th flight. Liftoff from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral with 22 satellites for the Starlink internet network is scheduled for 10:47 p.m. EDT (0247 UTC).
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover reaches perilous ridge on Red Planet after 3 failed attempts
This spot on Mars has preserved information about ancient landslides and evidence of Red Planet water.
OSIRIS-REx asteroid probe makes final maneuver before Sept. 24 sample delivery
NASA's OSIRIS-REx probe performed one last trajectory-correcting maneuver on Sunday (Sept. 17) to set up the Sept. 24 arrival of its asteroid sample here on Earth.
Galaxies Breathe Gas, and When They Stop, No More Stars Form
For most of the history of astronomy, all we could see were stars. We could see them individually, in clusters, in nebulae, and in fuzzy blobs that we thought were clumps of stars but were actually galaxies. The thing is, most of what’s out there is much harder to see than stars and galaxies. It’s gas.
China's new wide-field survey telescope scopes out Andromeda galaxy
A new high-resolution, wide-field telescope situated in China offers its first stunning view.
SpaceX rocket poised to launch on record-breaking 17th flight tonight
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch for a record-setting 17th time tonight (Sept. 19), and you can watch the action live.
Stoke Space gets closer to 100% reusable rocket with successful 'Hopper' test flight (video)
Stoke Space successfully tested its Hopper vehicle, showcasing innovative designs for its second stage rocket while aiming for full rocket reusability.
India to launch test of Gaganyaan crew capsule's emergency escape system this year
In the next month or two, India plans to launch a test mission to validate the crew escape system for its Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter breaks altitude record on 59th Mars flight
NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter soared higher than ever before over the weekend, getting 66 feet (20 meters) above the ground on its 59th Red Planet flight.