Physics

To understand what quantum computers can do — and what they can’t — avoid falling for overly simple explanations.

Scientists have long struggled to understand how common planets form. A new supercomputer simulation shows that the missing ingredient may be magnetism.

A new proof establishes the boundary at which a shape becomes so corrugated, it can be crushed.

Scientists have begun to decipher the subtle signs that reveal how explosive a volcanic eruption is going to be.

Groundbreaking results show that neutron stars of different masses may have the same size — upending astrophysical models.

Supermassive black holes emit jets of white-hot plasma that stretch thousands of light-years across the cosmos. For the first time, researchers have identified what’s creating these jets.

A mathematical shortcut for analyzing black hole collisions works even in cases where it shouldn’t. As astronomers use it to search for new classes of hidden black holes, others wonder: Why?

The secret to making a qubit for future quantum computers might depend on knowing how to tie knots in unusual materials, argues the physicist Charlie Marcus.

An enigmatic connection between the forces of nature is allowing physicists to explore gravity’s quantum side.