Latest articles by Nola Taylor Tillman
The Science of the 2019 Mercury Transit: How Astronomers Will Study the Rare Celestial Event
On Monday, students across the U.S. will use Mercury's transit to measure the distance between Earth and the sun.
The Mercury Transit of the Sun on Monday is a Science Smorgasbord
When Mercury crosses the sun on Monday, it will open up a wealth of scientific opportunity for telescopes on Earth and in space.
'Dirty' Collisions Shed Light on Planet Formation
Hit-and-run collisions and those that leave debris can affect a planet's orbit and growth.
'Star Trek: Discovery' Cast Share Backstage Stories at DragonCon
Cast members from "Star Trek: Discovery" shared backstage stories at Atlanta's DragonCon.
Tons of Water in Asteroids Could Fuel Satellites, Space Exploration
A special class of water-rich asteroids would make great targets for asteroid mining.
Dangerous Asteroids May Be Lurking in Jupiter's Shadow
Asteroids and comets hidden in Jupiter's shadow may be in "safe mode" now, but a small change could send them flying towards Earth.
A Fairy-Tale Mission: The Folklore Behind Japan's Visit to the Asteroid Ryugu
Once upon a time, a spacecraft made a dramatic quest to a distant land to bring back a treasure — and some science.
Jupiter's Volcanic Moon Io May Not Have a Magma Ocean After All
Io, the most volcanic body in the solar system, may not boast a magma ocean after all.
Astronaut-Doctor Serena Auñón-Chancellor Explains How Medical Research on Space Station Helps Patients on Earth
Astronaut and medical doctor Serena Auñón-Chancellor weighs in on how experiments on the ISS help medical research on Earth.
Sierra Nevada's Dream Chaser Space Plane Could Launch Astronauts One Day
The Dream Chaser space plane continues to eye future crewed trips to the International Space Station, despite the plane's cargo focus.
NASA Chief Says Moon 2024 Plans Won't Rob Funds from Space Station
The U.S. has declared its intention to once again put boots on the moon. That sort of exploration comes with a giant price tag, leaving some to wonder where the money will come from.
Will Private Companies Beat NASA to the Moon?
NASA is working with private companies to send humans back to the moon. But what happens if those companies get there first?
Gravitational Waves Could Guide Space 'Hitchhikers' to a Magrathea-Like World
Gravitational waves could reveal planets around white dwarfs, even those beyond our galaxy.
Apollo 11 Was a Voyage of Discovery About Our Solar System — Here's What We Learned
When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, he took one giant leap for planetary science.
We're Still Learning from the Apollo Moon Landings, But What If We Went Back?
Apollo's moon rocks changed science — but there's more to learn if we go back.
Eris: The First Dwarf Planet
The discovery of Eris led to Pluto's demotion to dwarf planet.
How Scientists Plan to Study the Total Solar Eclipse 2019
The elusive solar corona will be a key point of scientific studies during the July 2, 2019 total eclipse.
No Aliens Needed: Odd Properties of the 1st Known Interstellar Visitor Can Be Natural
'Oumuamua, the first known interstellar visitor, doesn't need an extraterrestrial solution to explain its oddities, according to a new study.
Meteor 'Smoke' May Spawn Cotton Candy Clouds on Mars
Cotton candy clouds in the Martian middle atmosphere may owe their life to dying meteors.
'Cold Quasars' May Be at the End of Their Lives, But They Can Still Birth Stars
Despite signs that they are at the end of their lifetime, some galaxies may continue to produce stars, contrary to expectations.
Magnetic Fields May Muzzle Milky Way's Monster Black Hole
The mysteriously quiet behavior of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole may be influenced by magnetic field lines.
Charles Lindbergh and the First Solo Transatlantic Flight
"Lucky Lindy" electrified the world and changed public opinion about air travel.
Red Dwarfs: The Most Common and Longest-Lived Stars
Most of the star nearest to Earth are red dwarfs, but they are too dim to be seen with the naked eye.
