Hot model explains how Jupiter survived
STARSTUFF PODCAST: New computer simulations may show how Jupiter saved itself from falling in to the Sun. Also; vast populations of newborn stars discovered in the galactic halo, and new plans to mine...
View ArticleCollision with look-a-like Earth created our Moon
MOON ORIGIN: The primordial planet believed to have smashed into baby Earth, creating a cloud of debris that eventually formed into the moon, was chemically a near-match to Earth, a new study shows.
View ArticleMeteorites pinpoint the age of the Moon
MOON AGE: The Moon was created 4.47 billion years ago, according to a new study of meteorites containing ancient fragments from the giant collision that formed the Earth and its lunar companion.
View ArticleHubble celebrates 25 years of science
STARSTUFF PODCAST: How the Hubble Space Telescope has expanded our view of the Universe. Also: mystery of largest structure ever identified by humanity solved, and meteorites pinpoint the exact age of...
View ArticleMercury's magnetic field is four billion years old
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Mercury has the oldest observed magnetic field in the solar system. Also; the most distant galaxy ever discovered, and a massive halo detected around Andromeda.
View ArticleThe Moon is wrapped in a cloud of comet dust
ECCENTRIC COMETS: Our Moon is wrapped in a permanent cloud of dust, similar to what has been found around the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, new research shows.
View ArticleAlien planet in comet's clothing
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Astronomers discover a planet that looks like a comet. Also; how magnetic fields could help to form a galaxy's spectacular spiral arms, and Earth hit by two geomagnetic storms in a...
View ArticleHello Pluto!
STARSTUFF PODCAST: New Horizons becomes the first spacecraft to visit Pluto. Also monster black hole grows surprisingly faster than its ancient galaxy, and physicists at CERN discover a new particle:...
View ArticleCarbon monoxide fuelled 'fire fountains' on the Moon
LUNAR LAVA: Volcanic 'fire fountains' erupting from the lunar surface, similar to what occurs in Iceland today, most likely were fuelled by carbon monoxide gas, a new study shows.
View ArticleSigns of water discovered on Mars
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Astronomers confirm dark streaks running down cliffs on the Red Planet contain evidence of flowing liquid water. Also; Rosetta's comet 67P consists of two separate comets that merged...
View ArticleRosetta's comet raises questions about Earth's origins
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Discovery of molecular oxygen on comet 67P leads to questions about where the Earth, Sun and solar system were made. Also; new studies examine the interstellar space around our solar...
View ArticleMystery of the Moon's missing volatile material finally solved
MOON MYSTERY: New model solves the last remaining major questions about the birth of the Earth's Moon.
View ArticleHow the Moon was made
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Solving the last remaining questions about the birth of Earth's Moon. Also: new images of the most powerful explosion since the big bang of creation, and confirmation that the...
View ArticleAstronomers see the birth of a planet
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Scientists witness for the first time how planets are born and grow. Also; The red planet Mars to get a Saturn-like ring, and 100 years of Albert Einstein's general theory of...
View ArticleMoon's orbit tilted by passing planetesimals
HOW THE MOON GOT ITS TILT: Ancient planetary building blocks or planetesimals left over from the formation of the solar system flying close to the Moon, were enough to tilt the Moon's orbit.
View ArticleBlack hole stellar feeding frenzy
STARSTUFF PODCAST: A monster black hole rips apart a Sun-like star in a spectacular stellar feeding frenzy. Also; Earth's magnetic field isn't about to flip just yet, and the new model explaining how...
View ArticleHow the Sun generates solar flares
STARSTUFF PODCAST: Astronomers observe for the first time how the Sun acts as a powerful accelerator. Also: The LISA Pathfinder launches on its mission to test Albert Einstein's General Theory of...
View ArticleCeres bright spot mystery solved
STARSTUFF PODCAST: FINAL EPISODE: Bright spots on the dwarf planet Ceres are giant salt pans. Also; climate change slowing the planet's rotation, and searching for the universe's missing matter.
View ArticleAstronomers watch the Moon's atmosphere breathe
LUNAR MISSION: The Moon's tenuous atmosphere changes depending on its exposure to the Sun and to meteor showers, astronomers have discovered.
View ArticleVolcanoes may have caused the Moon's poles to wander
SHIFTING AXIS: Ice deposits that formed in craters on opposite sides of the Moon three billion years ago indicate it may have once spun on a different axis.
View ArticleWhat's in the sky in April?
AUSSIE SKY GUIDE: This month the Emu in the Sky rises in all its glory and three planets grace the evening skies. Head away from city lights and you'll catch a beautiful sky show these school holidays.
View ArticleAsteroids may have delivered bulk of Moon's water
WATER SOURCE: Water-rich asteroids that bombarded the Moon between 4.5 billion and 4.3 billion years ago were the main source of water in the Moon's interior, suggests a new study.
View ArticleCan high tides during a full moon trigger earthquakes?
LUNAR CYCLES: A new study suggests there is a link between high tides produced during a full moon and an increase in large earthquakes, but how solid is the evidence?
View ArticleHow well do you know the night sky?
STARGAZING QUIZ: Do you know your Southern Cross from your saucepan? Test how much you know about the moon, stars and planets that make up our beautiful night sky.
View Article
