Space

In booming satellite market, micro-rockets are the next big thing

by

More and more miniature satellites are being launched every year, driving up demand for smaller rockets. By  GARETH WILLMER Contemporary life would hardly be possible without satellites. Much of what people do on Earth today relies heavily on what’s happening high above their heads – from monitoring wildfires, deforestation and sea-surface temperatures to enabling connections to … Read more

Shedding light on the Sun

by

As questions abound about the Earth’s closest star, scientists are seeking answers critical to forecasting solar flares that threaten satellites and other electronics. By  ANTHONY KING For most of humankind’s history, it has been hard to explain the Sun as anything other than a powerful deity. For instance, the ancient Greek god Helios – the personification … Read more

The mysterious black behemoths controlling our galaxies

by

Scientists try to unravel the birth, growth and power of black holes, some of the most forceful yet difficult-to-detect objects in our Universe. By  ANTHONY KING It was only last year that astronomers were finally able to unveil the first pictures of the supermassive black hole at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. But you … Read more

Atmosphere of excitement as Europe’s JWST astronomers study climate on other planets

by

The weather and climate on other planets has unusual features but planetary astronomers think JWST could potentially discover clues to help answer the fundamental question of “Where do we come from?” By  ANTHONY KING The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launched on Christmas Day 2021, is already transforming our understanding of planets in our Solar System … Read more