Many black holes had past lives, new research shows
Physicists have found signs of colliding black holes that are themselves products of previous black hole smash-ups.
Kavli Institute
Listening for the echoes of black holes
By analyzing X-ray reverberations and other astrophysical data, Erin Kara seeks to understand the most extreme objects in the universe.
MIT astronomers discover the earliest known flickering quasar
When the universe was just 850 million years old, this voracious black hole was already surprisingly mature, a new study finds.
MIT students study plasma physics beneath Alaska’s aurora
Student-led expeditions use distributed instruments to observe auroral structures and probe space plasma in real-world conditions.
Astronomers pin down the origins of a planetary odd couple
New measurements of a hot Jupiter and its mini-Neptune companion suggest both planets formed surprisingly far away from their host star.
Transforming deep-space signals into cathedral sound
An immersive sound installation at Oulu Cathedral, Finland, co-created by MIT Associate Professor Kiyoshi Masui, transforms more than 4,000 cosmic signals into spatial audio.
Three from MIT named 2026 Goldwater Scholars
Rising seniors Deeksha Kumaresh, Anna Liu, and Charlotte Myers are honored for their academic achievements.
Two physicists and a curious host walk into a studio…
On GBH’s new show The Curiosity Desk, MIT LIGO researchers revel in the beauties of fundamental discovery science and MIT astronomers talk planetary defense.
New catalog more than doubles the number of gravitational-wave detections made by LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA observatories
The latest crop of space-time wobbles includes a variety of heavy, fast-spinning, and lopsided colliding black holes.
MIT faculty, alumni named 2026 Sloan Research Fellows
Annual award honors early-career researchers for creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments.
Demystifying college for enlisted veterans and service members
For nearly a decade, the MIT Warrior-Scholar Project STEM boot camp has helped enlisted members of the military prepare for higher education.
MIT’s Science Policy Initiative holds 15th annual Executive Visit Days
Students and postdocs traveled to Washington to learn about federal science and technology policymaking.
Scientists get a first look at the innermost region of a white dwarf system
X-ray observations reveal surprising features of the dying star’s most energetic environment.
John Marshall and Erin Kara receive postdoctoral mentoring award
Faculty recognized for the exceptional professional and personal guidance they provide postdocs.
Support with purpose, driven by empathy
Professors Michael McDonald and Kristala Prather are honored as “Committed to Caring.”