Astronomy news

On this day in space! Aug. 15, 1977: Mysterious 'Wow!' Signal boosts search for E.T.

15-08-2026 16:00 via space.com

On Aug. 15, 1977, astronomers using Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope detected the famous "Wow!" signal, which to this day is one of the strongest pieces of evidence that we are not alone in the universe. Astronomer Jerry Ehman was using the telescope to scan a region in the constellation Sagittarius when it detected a weird, 72-second-long radio burst. The signal was too strong to be explained by background noise, and researchers determined that it was very unlikely that this sign

Read more
'Lanterns': Who's who in HBO's Green Lantern show?

15-08-2026 15:00 via space.com

The DC Universe expands further into the cosmos this month with the addition of "Lanterns".Created by Chris Mundy, Tom King and Damon Lindelof, the superhero show sees the veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler) take rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) under his wing. Wider parts of the Green Lantern Corps lore are incorporated in the story too, as the series unpacks what the famous space cops are all about.At the same time, let's be real here for a second: for anybody who hasn

Read more
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 223 — The Lunar Domain

15-08-2026 14:08 via space.com

On Episode 223 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and guest co-host Dale Skran are joined by Dr. Scott Pace to discuss the future of exploration on the Moon.We're headed for a space renaissance, and it will be focused on the Moon. The US, China, and international partners of both are vying toland people there and construct a permanent lunar base. Meanwhile, NASAis evolving to embrace commercial enterprise unlike any time in itspast, and American lunar efforts are lagging. What are the stakes? Doesi

Read more
We think these Nikon binoculars are excellent for variable magnification on the go

15-08-2026 11:00 via space.com

Of all the models in the renewed Nikon Action range released in 2026, the Action Zoom 10–22x50 is definitely one of the most attention-getting, with its zoom capability from 10x to 22x magnification. These are Nikon's third-generation 10-22x50 binoculars, building upon the past designs of 2007's Action VII Zoom XL 10-22x50 and 2013's Aculon 10-22x50 in 2013. The new design features a generous 16.3mm of eye relief, a tough aluminum chassis and updated optics. We found them to be a versatile

Read more
Advertisement
'Strap yourself in and feel the Gs': NASA announces 'Max Power' aerospace expo

15-08-2026 00:00 via space.com

NASA will hold a two-day aerospace exposition this November, and it may draw a surprising number of "Simpsons" fans.The event, which NASA announced today (Aug. 14), will be held Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Florida's Space Coast. It's called "Max Power," which is also a famous Homer Simpson pseudonym.In the 13th episode of the show's 10th season, which first aired in February 1999, Homer legally changed his name to Max Power. He wanted to disassociate himself from a bumblin

Read more