Latest News

At least two mass extinction events in Earth's history were likely caused by the "devastating" effects of nearby supernova explosions, a new study suggests. Researchers at Keele University say these super-powerful blasts – caused by the death of a...

Early risers across the UK will be treated to the stunning visual of a lunar eclipse later this week. It will begin shortly before dawn on Friday 14 March and can be best viewed around 06:20 GMT, although these times will vary depending on where you...

The Herschel Society and Royal Astronomical Society are now welcoming applications for the 2025 Caroline Herschel Prize Lectureship. The Lectureship was established to celebrate Caroline’s memory by supporting promising women astronomers early in...

The "needle in the haystack" discovery of a powerful explosion from a mysterious unknown object outside our galaxy has excited astronomers. It went unnoticed for years within a vast, two decade-long archive of observations by NASA's Chandra X-ray...

A "pioneering" leader in the study of distant supernovae who has had a "profound impact on astronomy" has been awarded the 2025 Caroline Herschel Medal. Professor Dr Isobel Hook, of Lancaster University, received the honour – which celebrates...

Early detection of earthquakes could be vastly improved by tapping into the world's internet network with a groundbreaking new algorithm, researchers say. Fibre optic cables used for cable television, telephone systems and the global web matrix now...

One of the best planet parades in almost half a century will illuminate what promises to be an out-of-this-world National Astronomy Week – as Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn all light up the night sky alongside the Moon. Avid stargazers will be...

Astronomers have discovered an extraordinary new giant radio galaxy with plasma jets 32 times the size of our Milky Way. Measuring 3.3 million light-years from end-to-end, the cosmic megastructure was spotted by South Africa's MeerKAT telescope and...

One of the world's most distinguished theoretical astronomers and a pioneering molecular physicist who is illuminating our understanding of exoplanets have each been awarded the Royal Astronomical Society's illustrious Gold Medal for 2025. Professor...

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) offers its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Professor Dr Karl Martin Menten, who has died at the age of 67. Professor Menten, director at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in...

A cruise ship astronomer and Dark Sky ambassador – both Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) – have been recognised in the New Year Honours list. Paul Fellows, the chairman of the Cambridge Astronomical Association, received a British...

One of Earth's most spectacular meteor showers will light up the night sky with an array of dazzling 'shooting stars' over the next fortnight. Stargazers will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Quadrantids between now and 12 January 2025...