Latest articles by Robert Roy Britt
Details Emerge on Plan to Demote Pluto
Two competing proposals were put forth and no resolution reached. What's next?
Sun's Next Stormy Cycle Starts
Astronomers say the Sun has begun it's next cycle of activity, part of an 11-year ebb and flow in sunspots and solar flares.
Pluto May Get Demoted After All
The effort to define the term "planet" took a fresh twist today as two competing proposals were put forth at a meeting of astronomers in Prague.
Earth's Moon Could Become a Planet
If astronomers approve a newly proposed planet definition next week, things could get really strange.
Astronomers Sharply Divided on New Planet Definition
The world's largest group of planetary scientists today threw it's collective support behind a new planet-defintion proposal that would increase the tally of planets in our solar system to 12.
Nine Planets Become 12 with Controversial New Definition
The tally of planets in our solar system would jump instantly to a dozen under a highly controversial new definition proposed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Lakes Found on Saturn's Moon Titan
One of the major goals of NASA's Cassini mission was to find lakes or seas on Saturn's moon Titan. Now scientist say they've found lakes.
Black Hole Census Comes Up Way Short
An extensive survey designed to find black holes has come up surprisingly short, leaving astronomers to wonder if their theories about these cosmic gravity wells are correct.
New Way Suggested to Search for Life on Mars
A shiny coating found on rocks in many of Earth's deserts suggest a new way to search for signs of life on Mars, scientists said today.
Date of First Launch Set for New Mexico Spaceport
Officials hope the inaugural flight from the New Mexico Spaceport will set the facility on course to become a new hub for space tourism and other commercial launches.
Hubble Telescope's Main Camera Stops Working
The Hubble Space Telescope's showcase ACS camera has been offline since Monday, June 19.
Earth Surrounded by Giant Fizzy Bubbles
The space above you is fizzing with activity as bubbles of superhot gas constantly grow and pop around Earth.
New Cosmic Defense Idea: Fight Asteroids with Asteroids
In a Space Age version of fighting fire with fire, French scientists have suggested using one asteroid to destroy another rather than letting Earth get pummeled.
Definition of 'Planet' Expected in September
Historians and educators have joined astronomers in an effort to break a deadlock on contentious discussions. Astronomers may be allowed to vote on the proposed definition.
Strange New Worlds Could Make Miniature Solar Systems
They look like planets but are born like stars. And now astronomers say these planemos have the material needed to form satellites. Yes, it's all very confusing.
Giant Crater Found: Tied to Worst Mass Extinction Ever
An apparent crater as big as Ohio has been found in Antarctica. Scientists think it was carved by a space rock that caused the greatest mass extinction on Earth, 250 million years ago.
Saturn's Moon Did Cosmic Flop
Saturn's moon Enceladus might have rolled over on its side sometime in the past, a suggestion that would account for a strange finding made by the Cassini spacecraft.
Comet Breakup Points to Possible Meteor Shower in 2022
A new and detailed view of a crumbling comet will help astronomers figure out how strong a predicted meteor shower in 2022 will be.
Hubble Confirms Nearby Cosmic Blasts Unlikely
You can remove one potential threat from your worry list, based on new observations by the Hubble Space Telescope.
