Astrophysics Archives | Filling Space

How did you become a science and technology journalist?

Science and technology are important aspects of humanity’s engagement with space. On the one hand, engaging with space improves our understanding of the universe and…

Cosmos Frontier

Why did you decide to become a cosmologist?

Editor October 29, 2021 Astrophysics cosmology fundamental particles gravity physics Richard Feynman the Higgs Boson the standard model true vacuum vacuum decay

Cosmologists study a truly mind-bending topic: the nature of our universe. It’s a field of study that dwarfs the scopes of many other sciences. Cosmologists,…

Cosmos

What’s it like studying fast radio bursts hundreds of lightyears away?

Editor May 22, 2020 astronomical phenomena astronomy Astrophysics big data astronomy fast radio bursts observatories telescopes the Milky Way the Square Kilometer Array the University of British Columbia

Fast radio bursts are astronomical phenomena not yet well-understood. They are transient pulses, emanating from unidentified high-energy astrophysical processes. To learn more about FRBs, we…

Cosmos

How are cubesats advancing astrophysics?

Editor January 24, 2020 Arizona State University astronomical cameras Astrophysics cubesats exoplanets galaxies Hubble low Earth orbit miniaturization photometers

Cubesats are becoming more common. In low Earth orbit, they are becoming so prevalent that concerns are arising about space debris and interference with Earth-based…

Starter Kits

What are five great space science books you should read?

Editor November 7, 2019 astrobiology Astrophysics dark matter Johannes Kepler Mars Neil deGrasse Tyson Patrick Moore popular science space science the space race

It is difficult to start reading about a new topic. Especially with regards to outer space, the line between science and pseudoscience can be hard…

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…

Cosmos

What do we know about the TRAPPIST-1 system’s habitability?

Editor September 20, 2019 Astrophysics auroras Earth-like planets exoplanets high-energy particles magnetic fields planetary systems stellar radiation the habitable zone TRAPPIST-1

The TRAPPIST-1 system is notable for having Earth-like planets that may be habitable. They are rocky and in the so-called “habitable zone” where water may…

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…

Society

How does one help women of color overcome barriers to STEM careers?

Editor July 12, 2019 Africa Astrophysics female astronomers marginalized communities South Africa STEM careers STEM education STEMinism the space sector the Square Kilometer Array

Africa’s space sector is growing, but will it include marginalized communities? A common criticism of STEM fields is that they exclude women and people of…

Society

What is it like being a space journalist?

Editor May 24, 2019 Astrophysics popularizing space science science communication science journalism Space Journalism space science the BBC the Space Age the space race the United Kingdom

It’s a job that many space enthusiasts would love: being a space journalist. It allows one to cover exploration of the cosmos and also fulfill…