known universe

photo of saturn showing its rings

Interesting Facts About Saturn You Need to Know

Let's look at the sixth planet in our solar system, Saturn. Here are ten interesting facts about Saturn. Learn more now!
Read More
example of a nebula were stars are born

What Does the Life Cycle of a Star Look Like?

Here's a closer look at the life cycle of a star, and how the size and mass of one of these stellar bodies affect its existence.
Read More

More Than Spirals: Facts About Elliptical Galaxies

Spiral galaxies aren't the only ones out there in the night sky. Here is an exploration of some intriguing facts about elliptical galaxies.
Read More
an artistic interpretation of Earth viewed from space

Exploring the Characteristics of Terrestrial Planets

Exploring the characteristics of terrestrial planets may not seem as exciting as you think, but wait until you find out that there's a whole lot in store for you to marvel over.
Read More

A Little Strange: Facts About Irregular Galaxies

What happens if a galaxy isn't spiral, barred spiral or elliptical? Let's explore facts about irregular galaxies.
Read More
image of Neptune

Interesting Facts About Neptune You Need to Know

What makes Neptune, the beautiful blue gas giant, so special? Check out these interesting facts about Neptune to learn more.
Read More
Space documentaries cover topics from terrestrial life to interstellar travel.

7 Fascinating Space Documentaries to Watch Today

Looking for something new and intriguing to watch? Here are seven awesome space documentaries to check out today.
Read More

25 Solar System Facts: The Ultimate Guide to Our Solar System

Let's take a look at our closest stellar neighbors. Here are some fantastic solar system facts that you might not have known.
Read More

Unlocking New Knowledge: Facts About the Milky Way and Recent Developments

Check out these facts about the Milky Way to get reminders of things you might have learned before, plus information about recent discoveries.
Read More
saturn's moons

Saturn’s Moons: An Oasis in the Outer Solar System

From lakes of liquid methane to alien ocean life, Saturn is an oasis in the outer reaches of our solar system, with incredible discoveries waiting to be found! 
Read More
Keck Telescope Views of Uranus

Interesting Facts About Uranus You Need to Know

Uranus is one of the biggest gas giants that we've ever seen. Check out these facts about Uranus now.
Read More
the jovian planets

The Jovian Planets: When Will We Visit the Outer Solar System?

Here’s a look into the future, at what a mission to the moons of Jupiter or Saturn might look like.
Read More

Interesting Facts About Mars You Need to Know

It's the final inner planet and named after the Roman god of war. Here are some interesting facts about Mars. What fact surprised you?
Read More
a spiral galaxy is one of the many types of galaxies

How Many Types of Galaxies are There?

There are more than two trillion galaxies in the known universe. To classify types of galaxies, scientists use a few different approaches.
Read More
rocket launch happens after a wet dress rehearsal

Why is a Wet Dress Rehearsal Important Before Launch?

Before the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission can even head toward the stars, the first step is a wet dress rehearsal. What is this and why is it crucial before a launch?
Read More

More Than Stars in the Sky: Exploring Types of Planets

Not everything twinkling in the night sky is a star. Let's explore the different types of planets and where we might find them.
Read More

Making Up the Universe: What Are Cosmic Objects?

There is so much more to the universe than what meets the eye. Explore some of the objects that make up our universe, from stars to distant galaxies and black holes.
Read More
photo of pluto

Interesting Facts About Pluto You Need to Know

Our last stop in the solar system is Pluto, the former ninth planet. Check out these interesting facts about Pluto. Which ones did you know?
Read More

Interesting Facts About Mercury You Need to Know

What do you know about the planets in our solar system? Keep reading to learn interesting facts about Mercury, the closest planet to the sun.
Read More

Should We Terraform Mars?

So why is NASA so excited to get to Mars? And is there anything we can do to make it easier for humans to live and breathe on Mars?
Read More
planetary moons

The Coolest Planetary Moons in Our Solar System

Ice volcanoes, ocean life, and methane rain: from Luna to Titan, these are the most exciting moons in our solar system!
Read More

10 Reasons Why Space Exploration is Inspiring

Here are 10 of the many missions that have helped inspire further space exploration & contribute to our ever-growing wonder & appreciation for the universe.
Read More

Building a Space Shuttle: Did You Know It Can Take Years?

Building a space shuttle is a huge feat. What does it take? What challenges do individuals and commercial companies face with this knowledge?
Read More
the kuiper belt

Exploring the Mysteries of the Kuiper Belt

The Kuiper Belt could reveal the story of our solar system’s formation billions of years ago. Here's what awaits at the edge of deep space.
Read More

More Than One Sun: Exploring Binary Stars

Our home solar system only has one star, but that isn't the case for the rest of the universe. What are binary stars?
Read More

It Looks Like Home: Facts About Barred Spiral Galaxies

The Milky Way Galaxy is the one we call home, but what is it? Let's explore facts about barred spiral galaxies.
Read More

Interesting Facts About Jupiter You Need to Know

This massive gas giant is the first of the outer planets. Here are 10 interesting facts about Jupiter to know about this giant celestial being.
Read More

Earth’s Mysterious Neighbor: Unveiling 10 Intriguing Facts About Venus 

Our tour of the solar system continues with Venus. Here are some facts about Venus every budding astronomy enthusiast should know.
Read More

Facts About Nebulae: More Than Just a Dust Cloud

The universe is full of unique and beautiful things that we're just beginning to understand. Come explore some fact about nebulae.
Read More
jupiter's moons

Jupiter’s Moons: The Most Exciting Corner of the Solar System

Jupiter's moons are among the largest and most unique moons in the solar system -- and they might even harbor alien life!
Read More
dark matter

Dark Matter: The Universe We Can’t See

To this day, no scientific instrument have yet detected the existence of dark matter particles. But lo and behold, there is evidence that indicates it is real!
Read More

Not Just Gas: Exploring Jovian Planet Characteristics

Jupiter. Saturn. Uranus. Neptune. What Jovian planet characteristics set these gas giants apart in the solar system?
Read More

Stellar Classification: Do You Know the Different Classes of Stars?

Did you know that there are different types of stars in the night sky? Keep reading to learn about stellar classification and what their differences mean.
Read More
interesting picture of planet Earth

The Blue Planet Exposed: 10 Facts About Earth That Will Blow Your Mind

We continue our journey across the solar system to discuss some interesting facts about Earth. What makes our own planet so interesting? Learn more now!
Read More
picture of a spiral galaxy

Spinning in the Black: Facts About Spiral Galaxies

The Milky Way Galaxy — the one we call home — is a type of spiral galaxy. Let's explore some facts about spiral galaxies!
Read More

How to Become an Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know

If you're wondering how to become an astronaut, a bachelor’s degree is only the minimum requirement. It takes years of training to become an astronaut.
Read More
extraterrestrial objects

Extraterrestrial Objects: What Do We Really Know?

Extraterrestrial objects may not be what you think. From exoplanets to ocean moons, the universe could be full of alien life.
Read More

The Known Universe: What Do We Know So Far?

We know that space is big, but exactly how big is it? There's a lot of space out there in the known universe—what do we know so far?
Read More

Everything You Need to Know About the Asteroid Belt

Beyond Mars, but before you reach Jupiter, is a belt made up of asteroids.What do we know about this asteroid belt? Learn more now!
Read More
terrestrial planets

The Complete Guide to the Terrestrial Planets

From scorching Venus to the deserts of Mars, this is your guide to our solar system's terrestrial planets.
Read More

A Flash in the Night Sky: Exploring Types of Supernovae

Stars might seem eternal but when they reach the end of their life, they go out without a bang. What are the different types of supernovae?
Read More

What Made the Spitzer Space Telescope Unique?

Telescopes help researchers learn about the universe. Spitzer Space Telescope could see infrared radiation. What legacy did Spitzer leave? Learn more now!
Read More

Catacylismic Variable Stars: An Introduction

Cataclysmic variable stars are unique binary systems that feature one star donating mass to another.
Read More

After the Supernova: Facts About Neutron Stars

Ever wonder what happens to a star after it dies? Let's explore more about that and exciting facts about neutron stars.
Read More

Exciting New Discovery! Fossil Stars Found in the Milky Way

When scientists discovered Terzan 5, they assumed it was a globular cluster. However they found more than they bargained for.
Read More

After the Flash: Exploring a Supernova Remnant

High-mass stars can explode, becoming a supernova. What’s left after the explosion? Learn more about the supernova remnant now.
Read More

Latest Articles

The Known Universe: What Do We Know So Far?

Mar 30, 2022 - Emily Newton

We know that space is big, but exactly how big is it? There’s a lot of space out there in the known universe—what do we know so far?

photo of pluto

Interesting Facts About Pluto You Need to Know

Oct 8, 2020 - Emily Newton

Our last stop in the solar system is Pluto, the former ninth planet. Check out these interesting facts about Pluto. Which ones did you know?

Keck Telescope Views of Uranus

Interesting Facts About Uranus You Need to Know

Oct 6, 2020 - Emily Newton

Uranus is one of the biggest gas giants that we’ve ever seen. Check out these facts about Uranus now.

image of Neptune

Interesting Facts About Neptune You Need to Know

Sep 8, 2020 - Emily Newton

What makes Neptune, the beautiful blue gas giant, so special? Check out these interesting facts about Neptune to learn more.

Interesting Facts About Jupiter You Need to Know

Jul 7, 2020 - Emily Newton

This massive gas giant is the first of the outer planets. Here are 10 interesting facts about Jupiter to know about this giant celestial being.

Interesting Facts About Mars You Need to Know

Jun 30, 2020 - Emily Newton

It’s the final inner planet and named after the Roman god of war. Here are some interesting facts about Mars. What fact surprised you?

example of a nebula were stars are born

What Does the Life Cycle of a Star Look Like?

Jun 10, 2020 - Emily Newton

Here’s a closer look at the life cycle of a star, and how the size and mass of one of these stellar bodies affect its existence.

Everything You Need to Know About the Asteroid Belt

Jun 27, 2019 - Emily Newton

Beyond Mars, but before you reach Jupiter, is a belt made up of asteroids.What do we know about this asteroid belt? Learn more now!

Stellar Classification: Do You Know the Different Classes of Stars?

Feb 26, 2019 - Emily Newton

Did you know that there are different types of stars in the night sky? Keep reading to learn about stellar classification and what their differences mean.

This New Tool Will Help Us Know More About Galaxies

May 15, 2018 - Emily Newton

How could facial recognition be used in astronomy? What can deep learning program teach us about our nearest intergalactic neighbors?

Exploring the Surprising Theory about a Contender for Ninth Planet

Feb 2, 2016 - Emily Newton

Have you heard the news? Looks like the planet count in the solar system may be back up to nine. Will there be a new ninth planet?