Space science

Scientists have created a new technique to measure dark matter at the core of dwarf galaxies. The secret to their success? Star clusters.

Gravity may be preventing aliens from leaving their planets, says new research.

New studies show that the seven planets orbiting the dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 are made mostly of rock, and some could hold more water than Earth.

Space probe provides a fascinating glimpse into the interior of our solar system’s largest planet.

A new study has shown that if we human beings discovered that we’re not alone in the universe, we would probably take this earth-shattering news actually rather well.

Due to its distinctive properties graphene has been held out as a game-changing material for a range of industries and applications. The Graphene Flagship initiative was set up as Europe’s biggest ever multi-stakeholder research initiative, to quite literally shape the future of the technology.

The dwarf planets beyond Neptune’s orbit have remained relatively mysterious due to how far and small they are. Researchers supported by the EU-funded LUCKY STAR project, recently reported unexpected findings, including the first object in the solar system beyond Neptune to have a ring.

With the current state of scientific knowledge and equipment, understanding astrophysical black holes invariably requires detailed studies of the observable elements surrounding them. The STRONGGRAVITY project has developed novel analytical tools to do just that, with a focus on radiation.

Although their existence is undeniable, astronomers across the world are still unsure of how supermassive black holes actually form. An EU-funded project has set out to answer this question by simulating the formation and growth of their seeds – black holes created when an extremely massive star collapses.

The question of how the universe’s first galaxies and black holes emerged has yet to be answered. By accessing data from state-of-the art facilities, the COSMIC_DAWN team was able to detect previously inaccessible quasars and characterise their physical properties.

It was previously thought that molecules and dust would be completely obliterated by the tremendous explosions of supernovae. Yet, for the first time, scientists have discovered that this is not actually the case.

Launched in 1997, the nuclear-powered Cassini spacecraft has now made its final course correction that, after 13 years of studying Saturn, will see it propel itself headfirst into the ringed planet, tearing it to pieces.

On an initiative of Mrs. Cresson, Commissioner for research and development, Mr. Bangemann, Commissioner for industry, telecommunications and information technologies, and Mr. Kinnock, Commissioner for transport, the European Commission has set up six task forces to develop in...

NASA hopes to send a manned mission to Mars in the mid-2030s. On a planet where temperatures can fall to -125C generating energy presents a key challenge and new techniques are about to be tested. The best equipment needs the people to use it, so resilience experiments are also under way.

D-Sat is the first satellite in history that will end its mission by re-entering Earth’s atmosphere in a safe and controlled way, burning up instead of becoming new debris. The satellite, which was launched on Friday, 23 June 2017, used a decommissioning and re entry device created by the EU-funded D3 project.

In advance of the official Asteroid Day Live event that will take place on 30 June, a member of the EU-funded NEOSHIELD-2 project has warned it’s just a matter of time before an asteroid strikes the Earth.

Visible-light imaging of the heliosphere has revolutionised the study of solar wind by adding to in situ measurements. Building on this advance, European space scientists are combining their expertise to generate unique catalogues and advance our understanding of the whole Sun-to-Earth system.

3D printing is potentially of great use to lunar exploration. Weight is a key constraint in space travel and the ability to create structures in situ, using lunar materials and solar power could bring lunar colonisation one step closer.

The question that has been intriguing us for decades, ‘Is there life on Mars?’ should be rephrased in the light of NASA’s announcement last week. The new burning question is, ‘Is there life on Enceladus?’

New research has cast new light on the Earth’s early atmosphere, which was dominated by thick clouds of methane. These methane clouds forced hydrogen to leave the atmosphere, allowing today’s oxygen-rich air to develop.

Utility field work can be a real headache even with precise maps at hand. Admitting that they rapidly manage to locate the sought network, workers may end up damaging grids belonging to someone else. This type of scenario will soon be avoidable thanks to an assistive device developed under the LARA project.

The discovery of glowing stardust in a distant galaxy could shed more light for astronomers on the characteristics of our early Universe.

MOTIT — an electric scooter renting service made available by means of a dedicated app — has come a long way since its launch in Barcelona in 2013. The system is will soon be available in Milan and is being tested in Paris. But this growth didn’t come without improvements. Complaints from users having difficulties in locating their scooters have led to the conception of a Galileo receiver and its integration into MOTIT scooters as part of the G MOTIT project.

The EU-funded SPECULOOS project has helped to find the most incredible star system to date as seven Earth-sized planets were recently spotted orbiting the nearby star TRAPPIST-1.

EU-funded PEASSS (Piezo Electric Assisted Smart Satellite Structure) project took part in history as India’s space agency (ISRO) mega launch broke Russia’s previous 2014 record.