Using wobbling stellar material, astronomers measure the spin of a supermassive black hole for the first time
The results offer a new way to probe supermassive black holes and their evolution across the universe.
AEROS CubeSat launches to study ocean health
Portugal’s second-ever satellite was developed in collaboration with the MIT Portugal Program.
Newly discovered Earth-sized planet may lack an atmosphere
Circling a cold, Jupiter-sized star, the new world could offer an unobstructed view of its surface composition and history.
Robotic “SuperLimbs” could help moonwalkers recover from falls
A new MIT system could help astronauts conserve energy and extend missions on the lunar surface.
Astronomers spot a giant planet that is as light as cotton candy
The new world is the second-lightest planet discovered to date.
MIT researchers discover the universe’s oldest stars in our own galactic backyard
Three stars circling the Milky Way’s halo formed 12 to 13 billion years ago.
MIT astronomers observe elusive stellar light surrounding ancient quasars
The observations suggest some of earliest “monster” black holes grew from massive cosmic seeds.
Researchers detect a new molecule in space
Such discoveries help researchers better understand the development of molecular complexity in space during star formation.
Erin Kara named Edgerton Award winner
The award recognizes exceptional distinction in teaching, research, and service at MIT.
MIT community members gather on campus to witness 93 percent totality
Hundreds of observers took advantage of great weather to view the 2024 partial eclipse.
MIT Haystack scientists prepare a constellation of instruments to observe the solar eclipse’s effects
In a first, four different technologies will monitor changes in the upper atmosphere, locally and across the continent, as the sun’s radiation dips.
Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse
Brian Mernoff of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers best practices to get the most out of your eclipse experience.
Persistent “hiccups” in a far-off galaxy draw astronomers to new black hole behavior
Analysis reveals a tiny black hole repeatedly punching through a larger black hole’s disk of gas.
Study: Life’s building blocks are surprisingly stable in Venus-like conditions
Results suggest the clouds of Venus could be hospitable for some forms of life.
Three MIT alumni graduate from NASA astronaut training
Marcos Berríos ’06, Christina Birch PhD ’15, and Christopher Williams PhD ’12, now eligible for spaceflight assignments, encourage MIT students to apply for the next astronaut class.