Latest articles by Nola Taylor Tillman
With Ultima Thule Flyby, NASA Probe Helps Unlock Secrets of Planetary Formation
The newest snowman-like image of Ultima Thule (2014 MU69), a pristine object from the dawn of the solar system, is already revealing insights into how planets form.
NASA's New Horizons Just Made the Most Distant Flyby in Space History. So, What's Next?
Queen's Brian May Releases 'New Horizons' Single to Celebrate Epic Flyby
Only moments before New Horizons flew by the most distant solar system object ever visited, astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Brian May released his new single based on the mission.
NASA's New Horizons Spies Elongated Target Ultima Thule Ahead of Flyby
The latest New Horizons image of the Kuiper Belt object Ultima Thule reveals its elongated shape.
NASA to Make Historic New Year's Day Flyby of Mysterious Ultima Thule. Here's What to Expect.
As 2018 draws to a close, one group of people plans to celebrate something far more unusual — a flyby of Ultima Thule, the most distant solar system object ever explored. Here's what to expect.
The Best Space Stories of 2018!
From missions to mysterious radio bursts, 2018 has proved a remarkable year in space science.
Secrets of Planet Birth Revealed in Amazing ALMA Radio Telescope Images
Gas and dust disks around young stars reveal features that suggest planets are off to an early start.
Small Magellanic Cloud: A Satellite Dwarf Galaxy Neighbor
For hundreds of years the Small Magellanic Cloud has provided astronomers with a relatively close-up view of another galaxy.
Black dwarf stars: The (theoretical) end of stellar evolution
A black dwarf is all that is left after a white dwarf star burns off all of its heat, but retains its mass.
Planets in Two-Star Systems Could Boast Life-Friendly Moons
A world tightly circling a pair of stars could cling to its moon, providing potential regions for life to evolve.
What Is a Spiral Galaxy?
A spiral galaxy has a distinct winding shape. Most of the galaxies observed by astronomers are spiral galaxies.
Pluto's Biggest Moon Could Give an Orbiter an (Almost) Free Ride
A spacecraft orbiting the dwarf planet could use Pluto's moon Charon to make important orbital changes.
'It's Going to Be Historic': New Horizons Team Prepares for Epic Flyby of Ultima Thule
In less than 10 weeks, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft will explore the most distant target ever visited by a spacecraft. Mission team members don't know what to expect — and that's part of the fun.
The Purported Plumes of Jupiter's Moon Europa Are Missing 'Hotspot' Engines
The geological hotspots that surround geysers throughout the solar system are mysteriously absent on Jupiter's ocean-harboring moon Europa.
How Did an Oddball Planet Like Mercury Form?
Whether Mercury formed from a single collision or multiple impacts, the iron-rich planet is probably a rare breed.
First 'Orphan' Gamma-Ray Burst Reveals Insight into Powerful Stellar Explosions
The first orphan gamma-ray burst reveals what happens after the merger of two massive stars.
Jupiter's Atmosphere
The atmosphere of Jupiter has distinctive belts, bands and a massive swirling storm.
Alan Shepard: First American in Space
The astronaut was also the fifth man to walk on the moon.
Discovery of Potential Exomoon Raises Hopes of Real-Life Pandora or Endor
The discovery of a potential exomoon could be the first step in finding worlds like "Avatar's" moon Pandora or "Star Wars'" forest moon of Endor.
Mae Jemison: Astronaut Biography
Astronaut, scientist, physician, teacher — Mae Jemison wears many different hats.
Delta II Rocket: 30 Years of Launches
After nearly 30 years of use, the Delta II rocket made its last launch on Sept. 15, 2018.
Take a Look Inside Lockheed Martin's Proposed Lunar 'Gateway' Habitat for Astronauts
Take a walk through Lockheed Martin's proposed habitat for NASA's moon-orbiting space station, which the agency plans to start building in 2022.
TRAPPIST-1 Worlds Are Rocky and Rich in Water, New Research Uncovers
The TRAPPIST-1 system boasts seven rocky worlds in the habitable zone of their star. New research reveals that these worlds may be rich in volatiles such as water, as well.
