Stars
Stars are bodies of plasma that undergo constant thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium in their core. Characterised by their luminosity, size and spectra, stars can be organised into seven types: O,B,A,F,G,K, and M. The Sun is the closest star to Earth, this yellow dwarf has an estimated lifetime of 10 billion years. Stars have a life cycle, beginning with the gravitational collapse of gaseous nebula and ending as a white dwarf, neutron star or black hole.
This ‘rogue’ planet is now the fastest-growing world we've ever seen
It might be a planet, but it’s growing up more like star
Astronomers have spotted a solar system being born for the first time
This discovery marks the earliest building blocks of planets we've ever seen taking shape around a star
Massive star-forming cloud found strangely close to Earth
Don’t expect a second Sun anytime soon, though
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Lyrids meteor shower tonight: How and when to see the ancient fireball display
Prepare to be dazzled as the Lyrids light up the sky for the next few days
Something really strange is happening to one of our closest galactic neighbours
A nearby galaxy is being shredded by gravity – and it could rewrite our cosmic history
Do we know what the cores of stars look like?
The centre of our nearest star is 10-20 million degrees, making it just a little too hot for us to visit.
Here's the first-ever picture of a star outside our galaxy
Star Wars may not be the only way for us to see a galaxy far, far away.
The 7 biggest myths about your reality, busted by science
The world isn't what it seems. Here's how science has exposed the fallacies and misconceptions of Earth and the heavens throughout history.
Once-in-a-lifetime ‘nova explosion’ set to light up the night sky at any moment
The big bang will soon become one of the brightest objects in our night sky.
What is a wandering star?
Nope, they haven’t been booted out of for bad behaviour.
Groundbreaking study could reveal secrets of how planets are born
The discovery could reveal in greater detail where another planet like Earth is forming.
Top 10 largest stars in the Universe
Meet the cosmic beasts hundreds of times bigger than our own Sun.
Earth is being bombarded by mysterious bursts of intergalactic radio waves. And it has scientists puzzled
Fast radio bursts originating from beyond the galaxy were first detected almost 20 years ago.
How to spot two legendary dog stars in the night sky this January
Where to look to see Orion's hunting hounds, the great and little dog constellations.
Massive planet collision identified from bizarre space 'afterglow'
The mysterious phenomenon was spotted by an astronomy-enthusiast on social media.
Mars rival Antares is blazing in the sky tonight. Here's how to see it
It's the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.
A beginner's guide to star hopping: Upgrade your astronomy with this simple trick
Star hopping is a tried-and-trusted technique used to locate things in the night sky. Learn how with this nifty guide.
How to use guiding stars to find Messier 13
Messier 13, aka the Hercules Cluster, is a cluster of several hundred thousand stars in the constellation of Hercules.
What would the sky look like if Earth revolved around a star in the centre of a globular cluster, like Messier 15?
A globular cluster is a stable, tightly bound collection of thousands, if not millions of stars.
Asterisms: A beginner's guide to unofficial star patterns
What is an asterism? What's the difference between an asterism and a constellation? What asterisms can you see in the night sky?
Here’s how you could see a rare bright comet this January – no telescope required
Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF will visit our skies this month, and it might even be visible to the naked eye.
Black holes, exoplanets and distant galaxies: James Webb Space Telescope’s best discoveries after one year in space
In just a few short months, stunning photos from the James Webb Space Telescope have changed the way we see the Universe.
Dyson spheres: How humans (and aliens) could capture a star’s energy
What is a Dyson sphere? How would a Dyson sphere work? Could they be responsible for strange signals from space?
How can I see the Teapot and Teaspoon asterism?
During July and August, low above the southern horizon, lurk two tea-related asterisms.