Citizen scientists discover five tightly packed exoplanets
The planetary system’s dense configuration gives clues to its formation
Topic
Space, astronomy and planetary science
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Drug manufacturing that’s out of this world
Continuous-flow chemistry device used for drug production could find use in long-duration space missions.
Scientists observe supermassive black hole in infant universe
Findings present a puzzle as to how such a huge object could have grown so quickly.
Study sheds light on turbulence in astrophysical plasmas
Theoretical analysis uncovers new mechanisms in plasma turbulence.
Monitoring activity in the geosynchronous belt
New ORS-5 SensorSat satellite developed at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory is fulfilling a critical need for situational awareness in space.
Scientists detect comets outside our solar system
Team of professional and citizen scientists identifies tails of comets streaking past a distant star.
MIT researchers discuss the new "multi-messenger" era of astrophysics research
Mavalvala, Evans, Frebel, Katsavounidis, and Vitale discuss the science behind LIGO's observations of a neutron star collision.
3Q: Scott Hughes on cosmic distances and the future of gravitational wave astronomy
Professor of physics describes our understanding of the expansion of the universe through “standard sirens.”
LIGO and Virgo make first detection of gravitational waves produced by colliding neutron stars
Discovery marks first cosmic event observed in both gravitational waves and light.
Stanislaw Olbert, professor emeritus of physics and a pioneering theorist of the space age, dies at 94
Olbert researched measurements of solar wind with instruments on several NASA space missions, including the Voyager probes.
MIT physicist Rainer Weiss shares Nobel Prize in physics
LIGO inventor and professor emeritus of physics recognized “for decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves.”
Gravitational waves from a binary black hole merger observed by LIGO and Virgo
Finding represents first joint detection of gravitational waves with both detectors.
Astronaut Kate Rubins returns to the Whitehead Institute to describe her experiences in low-Earth orbit
Former Whitehead Fellow and recent International Space Station resident gives public talk and engages with the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Neighboring exoplanets may hold water, study finds
Observations and modeling suggest TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets may have held onto water, billions of years after their formation.
Experiencing the Great American Solar Eclipse
Thousands attend MIT solar eclipse-watching parties on campus, at the MIT Wallace Observatory, and in Rexburg, Idaho.