Robert J. Butler, former design research engineer at MIT, dies at 89
An MIT engineer for 25 years, he helped design instruments for NASA’s Voyager spacecraft.
Topic
Space, astronomy and planetary science
Download RSS feed: News Articles / In the Media / Audio
Personal cushion of air
Inspired by seeds, proposed air-bag system would surround astronauts and protect them during bumpy landings
A hop, skip and a jump on the moon — and beyond
Team envisions robotic spacecraft that can explore hard-to-reach areas on the moon and other planetary bodies by hopping.
Explained: the Doppler effect
The same phenomenon behind changes in the pitch of a moving ambulance’s siren is helping astronomers locate and study distant planets.
3 Questions: Richard Binzel on astronomers’ powerful new tool
Pan-STARRS, a telescope designed to reveal the ‘unexpected surprises’ in our solar system, including possible threats to Earth, just became fully operational.
The aerosols conundrum
Research shows that aerosols not only cool, but also heat the planet — a finding that may cloud the validity of climate-change models.
In a first, astronomers detect strong winds on an exoplanet
Researchers see tempestuous atmosphere on a planet located 150 light years from Earth.
Coordinated stargazing
MIT astronomer leads the first team to study a Kuiper Belt object during a stellar occultation.
Operating in orbit
Astronaut and alumnus Bobby Satcher recounts his experience as the first orthopedic surgeon in space
NASA chief defends Obama’s space plan
In MIT visit, Charles Bolden touts proposed expansion in R&D funding
In the search for Earthlike exoplanets, GJ 436b has much to tell us
First detailed analysis of the atmosphere of a Neptune-sized planet reveals surprisingly low methane levels, presents "new territory" for researching planets outside our solar system
Volcanic Venus
New research highlights recent volcanic activity on Venus, indicating that Earth’s sister planet is alive — geologically speaking
Explained: Dynamo theory
Recent discoveries raise questions about how small planets can have self-sustaining magnetic fields
Mapping Venus
New analysis supports theory that Venus’ surface evolved through extreme makeover, not plate tectonics