Latest articles by Robert Roy Britt
Black Hole Makes Plumes that Span Intergalactic Space
Giant plumes caused by explosive venting from the vicinity of a supermassive black holeprovide dramatic new evidence of the influence a black hole can have over intergalactic distances.
Neptune-Size Planet Orbiting Common Star Hints at Many More
Astronomer have discovered a planet about as massive as Neptune orbiting one of the most common types of stars in the universe.
Astronomers Claim Potential Mini Solar System
A failed star looks to have the ingredients to make planets. So what do we call them?
Dark Energy and Einstein Converge
New observations reinforce the validity of the "cosmological constant," a fudge factor that Albert Einstein introduced into his equations to balance the force of gravity.
Saturn Surprise: One Ring is Actually a Spiral
Ever since Voyager 1 returned detailed images of Saturn's F ring back in 1980, astronomers have struggled to understand its bizarre features.
Space Telescope Sees 'Mountains of Creation'
Giant clouds of gas and dust harboring embryonic stars rise majestically into space in a new picture from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.
Nearby Explosive Star Harbors Companion
Eta Carinae is one of the most massive stars in the Milky Way. Astronomers have long suspected a hidden companion.
Two More Moons Discovered Orbiting Pluto
Two small moons have been discovered orbiting Pluto, bringing the planet's retinue of known satellites to three and leaving scientist to wonder how it could be.
Major Dust Storm on Mars Visible with Backyard Telescopes
Within 24 hours, a very visible storm appears. The timing couldn't be better.
When Stars Fail, Planets Might Still Succeed
NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has spotted the very beginnings of what might become planets around the puniest of celestial orbs -- brown dwarfs, or "failed stars."
Dark Matter: Invisible, Mysterious and Perhaps Nonexistent
Einstein's theory of general relativity can explain the cohesiveness of individual galaxies including our Milky Way, scientists say.
Colliding Stars Behind 35-year-old Mystery
After decades chasing short-duration gamma-ray bursts, astronomers think they've finally figured out the source: merging neutron stars.
Delving into Dust Devils
Dust devils on Earth and Mars are often likened to tornadoes. But in fact the mechanism behind them is completely different.
Massive Distant Galaxy Calls Theory into Question
The galaxy, seen when the universe was very young, is more mature than theory predicts it should be.
Mars: A History of False Impressions
A lot has been learned since the days when Mars was roundly feared by the masses. But Mars hoaxes continue.
Definition Debate: Planets May Soon Get Adjectives
An international group of astronomers trying to define the term planet may be finally nearing a decision, but a consensus is unlikely.
Mysterious Stars Surround Andromeda's Black Hole
Stars race around a black hole at the center of the Andromeda galaxy so fast that they could go the distance from Earth to the Moon in six minutes.
Shoreline Spotted on Saturn's Moon Titan
A long-sought feature on the smoggy moon suggest a sea and rivers of methane or other hydrocarbons.
Sun's String of Fury Continues as 7th Major Flare Erupts
More storms are likely through early next week, and if they occur Earth will be in the sights.
Astronomers Find Infant Version of our Solar System
A young Sun-like star appears to have one or more planets orbiting at distances similar to the giant planets in our solar system.
Sun Kicks Up Major Flare, More Expected
Communications on Earth disrupted. Forecasters expect more effects in coming days.
Surprises Found in Comet Recipe
Observations from Spitzer Space Telescope reveal ingredients of comet Tempel 1.
