Astrophysics

A different kind of dark matter could help to resolve an old celestial conundrum.

The Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory’s third detection further compounds the mystery of why black holes collide.

A series of observations at the very edge of the universe has reignited a debate over what lifted the primordial cosmic fog.

Angela Olinto’s new balloon experiment takes her one step closer to the unknown source of the most energetic particles in the universe.

After a surprise discovery, astrophysicists are racing to understand superenergetic flashes of radio waves that sometimes beep out from distant galaxies.

For decades, researchers believed that violent supernovas forged gold and other heavy elements. But many now argue for a different cosmic quarry.

A proposed theory of gravity does away with dark matter, even as new astrophysical findings challenge the need for galaxies full of the invisible mystery particles.

A camera lens often used by wildlife and sports photographers has helped astronomers learn about dark matter and galaxy formation.

The surprising discovery of a massive, Milky Way–size galaxy that is made of 99.99 percent dark matter has astronomers dreaming up new ideas about how galaxies form.