astronomy Archives | Filling Space

Is our universe part of a larger multiverse?

We use the word “universe” to describe everything that we know to exist – all of time, energy, and matter. With our current technology, we…

Starter Kits

What do you need to set up an at-home astrophotography platform?

Editor December 7, 2019 astroguiding astronomical imaging astronomy astrophotography cameras equatorial mounts Robotics stargazing telescope platforms telescopes

Astrophotography is a rich and rewarding hobby, but the barrier to entry can be intimidating for beginners. The dizzying array of choices is a boon…

Cosmos

White dwarfs’ exoplanets – what do we know about them?

Editor November 15, 2019 astronomy Earth-like planets exoplanets geochemistry geophysics Habitability magnetic fields planetary systems space science white dwarfs

A booming area of space science is the study of “exoplanets”, the term for planets outside our Solar System. Telescopes like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey…

Cosmos

What will happen to our Solar System after the Sun dies?

Editor October 18, 2019 astronomy Astrophysics chaotic orbits earth gravity planetary debris planetary systems the asteroid belt the Solar System the Sun

When the Sun dies, it will become what we call a white dwarf. White dwarfs are small and incredibly dense – a teaspoon of white…

Life

What’s it like working as an astrobiologist?

Editor August 16, 2019 asteroids astrobiology astronomy bacteria biology comets earth science exoplanets geology meteors

Astrobiology is a relatively recent area of study that investigates the origin and evolution of life in the universe. Being an astrobiologist combines perspectives from…

Life

How will humans be able to reach other worlds?

Editor July 26, 2019 artificial worlds astronomy hibernation interplanetary travel interstellar species multigenerational journeys propulsion mechanisms sleep regulation starships transhumanism

Other worlds are far away. If humanity is to become an interplanetary or interstellar species, how will humans make it so far? Some proposals include…

Society

In Africa, what are the latest space sector developments?

Editor July 19, 2019 Africa astronomy Astrophysics black holes cosmic objects extraterrestrial intelligence galaxies gravitational waves science communication supernovae

The space sector in Africa is growing, though this may come as a surprise to some. Making people aware of scientific progress is the realm…

Worlds

How to Settle the Solar System

Editor April 11, 2019 astronomy Mars Mercury space exploration space habitats spacefaring the asteroid belt the International Space Station Venus

Space is marvelous but hostile. If humans intend to be spacefaring, we must identify and overcome major obstacles before colonizing our Solar System. Some think…

Life

Mainstreaming SETI: ‘Oumuamua and Light-sails

Editor January 25, 2019 `Oumuamua alien technology astronomy biological signatures comets exoplanets interstellar objects light-sails SETI technological signatures

Recently, an interstellar object named ‘Oumuamua entered our solar system. It was the first such observed object in recorded history. Scientists were thus already watching…

Cosmos

Binary Mergers: Watching Stars Collide in the Heavens

Editor October 19, 2018 astronomy Binary mergers black holes celestial bodies cosmology gamma rays gravitational waves infrared light kilonovas neutron stars

Next time you bask in sunlight, remember our Sun may be an oddity. More than half the specks of light in the night sky are…