Astrophysics

By mapping the largest structures in the universe in X-rays, cosmologists have found striking agreement with their standard theoretical model of how the universe evolves.

The astrophysicist Erin Kara measures time lags in black holes’ X-ray glows, which reveal the complexity of the objects’ closest surroundings.

A controversial technique has produced detailed maps of the magnetic fields in colossal galaxy clusters. If confirmed, the approach could be used to reveal where cosmic magnetic fields come from.

An idea derived from string theory suggests that dark matter is hiding in a (relatively) large extra dimension. The theory makes testable predictions that physicists are investigating now.

Some neighborhoods in the Milky Way may be better suited for making habitable planets than others.

As measurements of distant stars and galaxies become more precise, cosmologists are struggling to make sense of sparring values.

From the smallest scales to the largest, the physical world provided no shortage of surprises this year.

Recent observations of an aging, alien planetary system are helping to answer the question: What will happen to our planet when the sun dies?

Astronomers thought they had solved the mystery of gamma-ray bursts. A few recent events suggest otherwise.