• Asteroid’s Record-Breaking Brush with Earth Changed It Forever

    A tiny asteroid that zipped by Earth this month made the closest-ever approach to our planet without hitting it, an encounter that changed its place in our solar system forever, NASA scientists say. The asteroid, called 2011 CQ1, came within 3,400 miles (5,471

  • Three theories of planet formation busted

    The more new planets we find, the less we seem to know about how planetary systems are born, according to a leading planet hunter. With the tally of confirmed planets orbiting other stars now more than 500, planet hunters are heading for a golden age of discovery,…

  • Comet Tempel 1 encounter – tonight

    NASA's Stardust-NExT probe is plunging toward Comet Tempel 1 for Valentine's Day encounter designed to reveal how solar heat devours the icy cores of comets. Closest approach happens at 8:37 p.m. PST (11:37 p.m. EST) on Feb. 14th. Stay tuned for fantastic…