Twelve years ago, astronomers confirmed the detection of the first-known natural object to orbit Earth other than the moon—a tiny asteroid known as 2006 RH120. While scientists have predicted more of ...

A striking new image of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS has deepened scientific intrigue after astronomers reported evidence of narrow, X-shaped jets that may indicate the object is breaking apart.

Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. The Monday after Daylight Savings Time starts is a drag. Students nod ...

Astronomers have captured images of a small space object — only a few meters wide — in a chaotic orbit around the Earth. It could be a "mini-moon," but it won't be here for long. The object is set to ...

New images capturing unusual, sideways streaks near the object have revived debate over whether the comet is shedding natural fragments, or something more unusual. The discussion intensified this week ...

Planet-making disks of gas, dust, and ice are known to form around stars and brown dwarfs. But now, disks with the potential to form planets, or at least moons, have been found outside the solar ...