astronomy

Science Watch: The Ancient Lands of Pluto

Hamilton Nolan · 06/14/16 01:48PM

Double stars! Space molecules! Sea dolphins! Moon missions! Dead zones! Pluto-nic findings! And cleanliness of all of the atoms! It’s your Tuesday Science Watch, where we watch science—from a perch of ill repute!

Brendan O'Connor · 10/14/15 08:45PM

In a message addressed to the UC-Berkeley campus community, Chancellor Nicholas Dirks and Provost Claude Steele announced that Professor of Astronomy Geoff Marcy resigned from the UC Berkeley faculty on Wednesday morning: “Professor Marcy’s conduct, as determined by the investigation, was contemptible and inexcusable.”

Science Watch: Sardine Heaven

Hamilton Nolan · 04/08/15 04:00PM

Moon formation! Alien life! Fish death! Muscle appreciation! Dark studies! Robo-gloves! Arctic tundra! And the downfall of Western civilization! It's your Wednesday Science Watch, where we watch science—like a toad watch a bug.

Science Watch: Designer Sperm

Hamilton Nolan · 12/04/13 04:33PM

Dye worm! Old DNA! Shark stomach! Quantum holes! Alien water! Cat chat! Lib psyche! And d-d-d-d-designer stuff, man! It's your weekly Science Watch, where we watch science— with a certain je nais se kwa!

Science Watch: How to Kill a Seal

Hamilton Nolan · 11/22/13 04:07PM

Old water! Wind maps! Dry bugs! Fur seals! Science books! Star explosions! Tiny particles! Sea snails! And other wet and wondrous creatures! It's your Friday Science Watch, where we watch science—with scrutiny!

Hamilton Nolan · 10/16/13 04:27PM

Astronomers say that the largest known star in the universe is in the process of tearing itself apart. Get ahold of yourself, Miley!

The Sharpest Photos of the Stars Ever Taken

Hamilton Nolan · 08/22/13 04:10PM

Here are some photos of stars in the Orion nebula. They are the sharpest photos ever taken of the night sky. Ever in human history. Heck, that's something to be proud of. Take a minute out of your busy day to contemplate them. [University of Arizona]

Creationist Astronomy Professor's Class Should Be Easy

Hamilton Nolan · 07/09/13 12:16PM

Ball State University has hired a new astronomy professor: Guillermo Gonzalez, who was denied tenure at his last school because he believes in intelligent design. It's a good ol' time in the science lab, ahoy!

When Can We Go Live on the Moon?

Hamilton Nolan · 02/13/13 01:30PM

Welcome to "Hey, Science," our disgustingly scientific weekly feature in which we will have your most provocative scientific questions answered by real live scientists (or related experts). No question is too smart for us to tackle, theoretically speaking. This week, experts address a Gawker reader's plea: When can we go live on the moon, already?

Meet Pluto's New Moon

Adrian Chen · 07/20/11 04:41PM

Astronomers using Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a new, 21 mile-wide moon orbiting Pluto. They're going to call it "P4" until they can come up with a better name for it.

If You Don't Want a Personal Jet Pack Then You're Dumb

Hamilton Nolan · 06/20/11 04:41PM

Gravity existence! Personal jetpacks! Squirrel love! Treadmill shrimp! Lion theories! Worm brains! Dwarf stars! Futuristic pots! And x-ray food from the very near future! It's your Monday Science Watch, where we watch science—without any fancy science degrees!

For the First Time Ever, We Can See the Entire Sun

Max Read · 02/06/11 10:54PM

In 2006, NASA launched two satellites into solar orbit in opposite directions. On Sunday, they reached their final destinations, on opposite sides of the sun—giving us, for the first time in history, a picture of the entire sun.