Recent news and analysis on Space & Astronomy

Latest discoveries in space exploration, NASA missions, SpaceX launches, astronomical research, cosmic phenomena, and breakthroughs from leading scientists.

• Total solar eclipse sweeps Spain, first in mainland Europe since 2006

  Skywatchers in Spain witnessed a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, the first in mainland Europe since 2006. The shadow crossed from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland, ending in the Mediterranean, with totality lasting under two and a half minutes. Millions more saw a partial eclipse across Europe, Canada, the northern US, and northwest Africa. Spanish authorities deployed over 33,500 law enforcement officers and set up 350 official viewing sites, restricting access to 123 others due to wildfire risks.

• Astronomers discover 'black hole star' MoM-BH*-1 in early universe

  Astronomers report in Nature the discovery of a new type of object, a 'black hole star' named MoM-BH*-1, appearing as an extremely bright red spot from the early universe. Located in the constellation Cetus about 30 billion light years away, it formed 660 million years after the big bang. Simulations suggest it is a black hole swaddled in dense gas, radiating like a star.

• Astronomers release largest 2D map of universe

  Astronomers published the largest two-dimensional map of the universe, covering 75% of the sky and including nearly four billion celestial objects. The map, created from over 263,000 telescope exposures collected over more than a decade, will aid research into dark matter, dark energy, and gravitational lenses, and help train AI models for future discoveries.

• NASA: 23 US states miss Wednesday's solar eclipse

  NASA reports that 23 U.S. states will not see Wednesday's total solar eclipse, visible in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and part of Portugal. New York City will see a partial eclipse with just under 10% coverage, peaking at about 1:53 p.m. The next total eclipse is Aug. 2, 2027, in North Africa and the Middle East. Viewers should use certified safety glasses.

• Armagh Observatory hosts viewing party for rare solar eclipse

  Excitement is building at Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland ahead of Wednesday's solar eclipse, which will obscure over 90% of the sun across Ireland. The event is the largest visible from the island until 2090, drawing visitors from as far as Dublin and Tipperary.

• Hundreds queue in Dublin for eclipse glasses ahead of rare solar eclipse

  Hundreds queued on Dublin's George's Street for eclipse glasses, causing near standstill, with waits up to two hours for 10-euro pairs. Designist received a final batch from Astronomy Ireland after selling out twice. The eclipse, visible after 6pm, is the last until 2090, with clearest skies forecast in the east and southeast.

• Radiation vest passes Artemis I test, may protect astronauts

  AstroRad, a radiation-shielding vest developed by Israeli startup StemRad with support from the Israel Space Agency and Lockheed Martin, passed its Artemis I lunar test. A study in Science Advances found the vest could drastically cut radiation exposure during severe solar storms, protecting vulnerable organs. It offers a practical alternative to coating entire spacecraft for future moon and Mars missions.

• "Everything you need to know about the 2026 total solar eclipse"

  This article provides a factual overview of the 2026 total solar eclipse, detailing the path of totality, timing of key phases, and viewing guidance. It explains the astronomical coincidence that makes total eclipses possible and notes the regions where the eclipse was visible, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and North America.

• Sophie Adenot to become first Frenchwoman to walk in space

  Sophie Adenot is set to become the first Frenchwoman to walk in space on August 18, performing a spacewalk from the ISS to repair the station's transmission system. She will be joined by American astronaut Anil Menon, and the pair have begun preparations in the Quest airlock.

• Europe's first total solar eclipse in 25 years draws half a million tourists

  Excitement is building across Europe for the continent's first total solar eclipse in over 25 years, scheduled for August 12. The eclipse will last one minute and 43 seconds, and nearly half a million tourists are expected to travel to see it.