Physics

Symplectic geometry is a relatively new field with implications for much of modern mathematics. Here’s what it’s all about.

Modified gravity theories have never been able to describe the universe’s first light. A new formulation does.

New calculations show how hypothetical particles called gravitons would give rise to a special kind of noise.

Earth’s climate has fluctuated through deep time, pushed by these 10 different causes. Here’s how each compares with modern climate change.

To recognize strange extraterrestrial life and solve biological mysteries on this planet, scientists are searching for an objective definition for life’s basic units.

Can we test speculations about how quantum physics affects black holes and the Big Bang?

Liz MacDonald realized that if she wanted to create the world’s best aurora map, she needed a secret ingredient: Twitter.

At the molecular level, glass looks like a liquid. But an artificial neural network has picked up on hidden structure in its molecules that may explain why glass is rigid like a solid.

Astronomers are discovering that magnetic fields permeate much of the cosmos. If these fields date back to the Big Bang, they could solve a major cosmological mystery.