Topic
Space, astronomy and planetary science
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Most distant massive galaxy cluster identified
Formed in the first 4 billion years of the universe, cluster is 1,000 times more massive than the Milky Way.
January 7, 2016 -
3 Questions: Anna Frebel on searching for the oldest stars
New book details astronomers’ hunt for clues to the early universe.
December 3, 2015 -
New exoplanet in our neighborhood
Though likely uninhabitable, planet is rocky, Earth-sized, and near enough for study of its atmosphere.
November 11, 2015 -
Interplanetary architecture
Faculty and students grapple with 3-D printing a habitable structure on Mars.
October 15, 2015 -
Amanda Bosh promoted to senior lecturer
Astronomer and planetary scientist has been a steady source of inspiration for students and community members interested in observational astronomy.
September 25, 2015 -
Advanced LIGO set to begin science operations
The world's most sensitive gravitational-wave detector is scheduled to go online this week, after seven years of enhancement.
September 17, 2015 -
Advice to students in planetary science: “Start young!”
MIT astronomer Richard Binzel describes lengthy preparation for this year’s successful flyby of Pluto.
September 11, 2015 -
Pluto Revealed! An update from New Horizons
Professor Richard Binzel, NASA New Horizons science team co-PI, shares mission results on Sept. 9.
September 4, 2015 -
Celebrating 10 years of the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research at MIT
August 4, 2015 -
New Horizons data hint at underground ocean
Ice flows and water ice mountains spied by NASA spacecraft support the idea that an interior ocean may be driving geologic activity on Pluto.
July 29, 2015 -
3 Questions: Lennon Rodgers on docking in space
System for locking satellites together, initially developed for master’s thesis, to get first space test.
July 23, 2015 -
3 Questions: Richard Binzel on New Horizons’ closest view of Pluto
Spacecraft’s close-up images reveal a complex, frozen world.
July 14, 2015 -
Small thunderstorms may add up to massive cyclones on Saturn
New model may predict cyclone activity on other planets.
June 15, 2015 -
Circular orbits identified for small exoplanets
Observations of 74 Earth-sized planets around distant stars may narrow field of habitable candidates.
June 1, 2015 -
Remote observing now in progress
After two years of work, MIT's Wallace Observatory team has "perfected" the ability to control its fleet of smaller telescopes remotely and automatically.
May 27, 2015 -
3Q: Getting ever closer to observing gravitational waves
Einstein’s theory of general relativity to be put through the paces as Advanced LIGO comes online.
May 19, 2015 -
Dava Newman confirmed as NASA deputy administrator
MIT aerospace and systems engineer will assume agency’s No. 2 post upon President Obama's signing.
April 28, 2015 -
Mike Massimino to speak at June 4 doctoral hooding ceremony
Astronaut and alumnus will be the first-ever speaker at MIT’s Investiture of Doctoral Hoods.
April 22, 2015 -
Michael Collins: “I could have been the last person to walk on the moon”
Apollo 11 astronaut speaks at MIT about his experiences leading up to the first moon landing.
April 2, 2015 -
A second minor planet may possess Saturn-like rings
Researchers detect features around Chiron that may signal rings, jets, or a shell of dust.
March 17, 2015