astronomy

The total solar eclipse is the best time to study this part of the sun. Here's why

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

On April 8, the moon’s shadow will fall across North America in a path of totality that starts in Mexico and ends in eastern Canada, giving solar researchers a unique opportunity to observe the sun's outer atmosphere.

How to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse

By Joshua Barajas, Bella Isaacs-Thomas, Dan Cooney, Adam Kemp

This year’s total solar eclipse is expected to be a bigger, longer spectacle than the one that passed over the United States in 2017.

Researchers to observe how total solar eclipse affects animal behavior

By Christina Larson, Associated Press

It's only in recent years that scientists have started to rigorously study the altered behaviors of wild, domestic and zoo animals during a full solar eclipse.

Planning to watch April's total solar eclipse? Here's how to protect your eyes

By Geoffrey Bradford, The Conversation

Now’s the time to get your hands on a pair of eclipse glasses in preparation for next month's display of celestial wonder.

How to watch April's total solar eclipse

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

After this year's total solar eclipse on April 8, there won’t be another coast-to-coast eclipse in the United States until 2045.

A mind-boggling look at what might be the brightest object in the universe

By John Yang, Harry Zahn

According to a paper published this past week in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists found what could be the brightest known object in the universe: a quasar produced by a massive and voracious black hole. It’s estimated to be emitting…

Continue watching

Why do leap years have 366 days?

By Bhagya Subrayan, The Conversation

Humans have synced their calendars to the sun and moon for centuries, but every so often, these systems need a little correction.

Astronomers spot 3 new tiny moons around Neptune and Uranus

By Christina Larson, Associated Press

The latest tally puts Neptune at 16 known moons and Uranus at 28. Scientists say the new moon around Uranus is likely the smallest of the planet's moons.

Quasar with black hole at its center may be brightest object in the universe, astronomers say

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

This distant quasar shines 500 trillion times brighter than our sun, and its black hole is more than 17 billion times more immense than our sun.

Asteroid to temporarily obscure Betelgeuse star in unique eclipse

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

The rare event will occur late Monday into early Tuesday. Weather permitting, it should be visible to millions of people along a narrow path stretching from central Asia and southern Europe to parts of Florida and Mexico.