Latest articles by Ker Than
Astronomers Create 3D Map of Dark Matter
Astronomers have mapped the positions of vast, invisible isles of dark matter in the sky, within which normal "bright" matter galaxies are embedded like glittering gems.
Scientists Discover Stellar Bombs with Short Fuses
An unusually thick veil of gas discovered around the remains of two stellar corpses suggests some stars might have short fuses that allow them to explode much sooner than their peers.
Scientists Spot Black Hole in Unlikely Place
Astronomers have spied a small black hole nestled in the middle of a packed star cluster, a region not typically thought to be very black hole-friendly.
European Planet-Hunting Satellite to Launch
The launch of a European space telescope called COROT tomorrow could help planet hunting astronomers spot a bevy of small, rocky worlds only a few times larger than Earth.
Instead of a Big Bang, Some Stars Fade Quietly
Astronomers have detected a new class of enigmatic stars that appear to fade away quietly and in the dark.
Cosmic Gatherings: How Stars Get Hitched
An up-close look at a young, triple star system provides new support for the idea that some solar systems gain extra stellar companions by snaring passing stars.
Discovery Shuttle's Night Launch 'Outstanding,' NASA Says
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The launch of NASA's shuttle Discovery late Saturday appeared to be an exceptionally clean space shot, NASA mission managers said today.
Space Shot Redux: Shuttle Discovery Set for Night Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA is once more preparing to launch the shuttle Discovery and its seven-astronaut crew tonight after low clouds thwarted a Thursday evening liftoff.
Weather Forecast Worsens for Thursday Shuttle Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The countdown for NASA's planned night launch of the shuttle Discovery Thursday remains on schedule, though a deteriorating weather forecast continues to plague the space shot.
Shuttle Discovery on Track for Thursday Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Launch countdown proceedings are going smoothly for the planned Thursday liftoff of NASA's space shuttle Discovery.
Launch Countdown Underway for NASA's Shuttle Discovery
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The clock is ticking for NASA’s shuttle Discovery as launch controllers began counting down towards the spacecraft’s planned Dec. 7 launch late Monday.
Discovery Shuttle Astronauts Arrive at NASA Spaceport
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The astronaut crew of NASA's next shuttle mission arrived here at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) late Sunday, flying in aboard white and blue T-38 training jets.
Astronauts Whack Golf Ball and Outfit Station in Spacewalk
A Russian cosmonaut set a new record for the longest golf drive today after hitting a lightweight ball while tethered to the outside of the International Space Station (ISS).
ISS Astronauts Prepare for Golf Shot Spacewalk
Going long will take on new meaning next week when an astronaut tees up and sends a golf ball flying from the International Space Station (ISS).
