Astronomy

Astronomy is a broad discipline covering all facets of astrophysics. In this section you can learn about the origins of the universe, black holes and other astronomical phenomena.

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The harvest moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, typically in late September or early October in the Northern Hemisphere.

ByNicole Antonio

Unlock the mysteries of Mercury Retrograde, its impact on astrology, and how to navigate its cosmic waves for personal growth.

By HowStuffWorks

Delve into the Earth's layers: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Discover the secrets beneath our feet and the dynamic processes at play.

By HowStuffWorks

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Explore the mysteries of the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Dive deep into their atmospheres, moons, and unique phenomena.

By HowStuffWorks

Nothing lasts forever. Does that include our home planet, too?

ByShichun Huang

有时数百人手持高科技cameras can make amazing scientific discoveries, as in the case of STEVE.

ByJesslyn Shields

March's full moon is called the worm moon for an unusual reason. What are some other names for the March moon and when can you see it?

ByValerie Stimac

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Every 24 hours, Earth makes a full rotation on its axis. But why does Earth spin in the first place?

BySilas Laycock

Researchers at Australian National University studied 5,000 star-eating behemoths to find out.

ByChristian Wolf

January's moon is called the wolf moon, but it's also known as the center moon and the freeze up moon (among other names). Here's why.

ByValerie Stimac

Stars are giant nuclear fusion reactors, and we wouldn't exist without them. Find out how much you know about these twinkling lights with our quiz.

ByDavid Warmflash, M.D.

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All of the planets in the solar system are named for Greek gods, except Earth. So where did the name come from?

ByMark Mancini

Why do planets in the solar system all seem to be round? Why not cylindrical? Or even cube-shaped?

ByMark Mancini

So what does that mean for good ol' Earth someday?

ByIan O'Neill, Ph.D.

In the darkness of space, we’re comforted by our moon, the circular inspirer of song lyrics, poetry, and wannabe astronauts. But what do you really know about the moon and its history? Take this quiz to find out.

ByNathan Chandler

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Those stars twinkling in the nighttime sky may actually be crystal spheres. And our beloved star is headed in that direction, too. Eventually.

ByIan O'Neill, Ph.D.

And while we're at it, why don't the other planets in our solar system seem to twinkle?

ByMark Mancini

A massive planet 10 times the size of Earth seems to have been lurking on the edge of our solar system for some time now. How come we never noticed it before?

ByPatrick J. Kiger

Killer asteroids are all fun and games -- until they're headed for Earth. How do we stop cosmic hot potatoes from wiping out our planet?

ByWilliam Harris

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It's not a pleasant thought, is it? But when you mix chaos theory with a few crazy cosmologists, those tidy, predictable orbits start getting lively.

ByWilliam Harris

Sunspots are peculiar dark areas that show up regularly on the surface of the sun -- and often for no reason. What causes them? What effect could these funny little spots have on the Earth?

ByPatrick J. Kiger

As every fledgling and seasoned astronomer knows, groups of stars that form some sort of arrangement are known as constellations. Peer at some of the most famous constellations that humans use to navigate, divine the future and tell stories.

Radio telescopes can give us some impressive insights into the universe. This collection of pictures highlights some of the images these telescopes have captured.

ByRick Mayda

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Hundred of meteors fly across the sky every night, but only a few make it to Earth. Meteors are best known for the brilliant streaks of light they make as they burn up in the atmosphere. Learn about 10 memorable meteor crashes that left an impression.

Bythe Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

We know it's not made of green cheese, but what are the origins of the moon? Learn astronomers' theories about where the moon came from.

ByTracy V. Wilson