Science news
Daily science news with breaking updates on the latest scientific research, interesting technology breakthroughs, new discoveries and how today's science headlines affect you. Brought to you from the team behind BBC Science Focus magazine.
NASA’s bold new ‘solar sail’ mission could unlock interstellar travel
Next stop: Alpha Centauri?
Monumentally massive explosion spotted on mysterious dead star
A satellite in the right place at the right time has captured an important cosmic sight.
Inside the bold project to find your menopausal age – and reverse it
Scientists could soon unveil the genetic secrets of your reproductive lifespan and fertility.
Lyrid meteor shower 2024: How to see a stunning fireball tonight
When the Lyrids will occur, what causes the shower and how many meteors are expected at its peak.
‘Giant fish lizard’ bigger than megalodon could be largest marine reptile ever discovered
Step aside, meg: Scientists have uncovered the biggest marine reptile ever, and it’s a prehistoric beast.
'Alien aurora’ may have been spotted on nearby failed star
This nearby brown dwarf doesn't shine with fusion light, but may have found a way to put on a dazzling display of its own.
This new ‘atlas of ageing’ could help keep your muscles younger for longer
Creaks and groans may ail your bones, but a new muscle atlas could halt your ageing.
Here’s how the Moon actually impacts your menstrual cycle - new study
Put the lunar cycle diary down, ladies: new research says the calendar is already within you.
Earthshine tonight: How to see April's stunning Moon event
This April, the Moon is the gift that keeps on giving.
Solar eclipse: The 20 best photos from 2024’s celestial spectacle
The most stunning images from the cosmic event of the century.
The Solar System will die a grisly death – and astronomers now think they know how
White dwarf stars can’t help but gobble up passing objects – including, eventually, the planets in our own Solar System.
11 reasons why today’s total solar eclipse is the cosmic event of the century
A total solar eclipse is one of the most profoundly beautiful events in nature, it's a once-in-a-life-time event you’ll never forget.
The world's most powerful camera is complete – and it could solve the Universe's deepest mysteries
The Vera C Rubin Observatory’s 3200-megapixel camera will allow us to see the cosmos like never before.
Solar eclipse 2024: How to see the biggest cosmic event of the year this April
A total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, and will be visible over a large part of the US – are you in the line of totality?
New microbiome breakthrough could be key to fighting obesity
Researchers have more than a gut feeling about how to prevent weight gain in the not-so-distant future.
Simply the world's best 22 wildlife photos of 2024 (so far)
The best wildlife and natural world images from this year's World Nature Photography Competition.
Everest-sized ‘Devil comet’ tonight: How to see the once-in-a-lifetime 2024 event
The 'unused building block of the Solar System' is hurtling towards the Sun, leaving behind a trail of dust and gas. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse.
Clocks going forward 2024: When and why do the clocks change in the UK?
For those in the UK, the dreaded night is back – prepare to lose a precious hour of slumber.
Stunning new image of black hole at centre of our galaxy revealed
The groundbreaking image shows a strong magnetic field spiralling at the edge of Sagittarius A*.
Auroras tonight: How to spot the 2024 northern lights
A massive solar storm is set to create a spectacular light show tonight, possibly as far south as the midwest US.
Lunar eclipse 2024 tonight: Here's when to see the full Moon spectacle
If you're lucky, also spot a comet at the same time.
Smoking actually increases hidden belly fat, suggests new study
Even if there is no obvious fat, it turns out lifelong smoking could increase an unhealthy fat deep within your abdomen.
‘Quantum tornado’ could unlock secrets of black holes
A new artificial tornado could lead to breakthroughs in black hole research.
The 4 biggest findings from the major new UN climate report
It was another record-breaking year for the climate in 2023. But there is still hope, scientists say.