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The ‘new normal’ way of life for coping with the COVID-19 outbreak is a work in progress. When we move on, we should keep some of our adaptations rather than return to the old ways, for a more open and equitable way of working.
Small satellites are revolutionizing the way we access space for commerce and science, including astronomy and planetary science. Yet, like many breakthrough technologies, it has a double-edge.
The detection of phosphine in the cloud decks of Venus generated 4,700 news stories around the world. This kind of coordination was only possible because of our embargo policy.
Quantitative estimates presented in this issue demonstrate that astronomers contribute more to climate change than the average global citizen. Concerted actions are needed to reduce the ecological impacts of our occupation.
Before its demise, the Dawn spacecraft performed a series of low passes over the bright spots of dwarf planet Ceres. These high-resolution data highlight the nature of Ceres as an active ocean world with unique characteristics.
The practice of peer review has only become commonplace fairly recently, and as such is continually undergoing revision. The latest progress has focused on reducing the load on those performing this community service and also reducing bias to ensure a fairer system for all.
On the anniversary of ROSAT’s launch, we reflect on the relevance and promise of X-ray observations in all fields of astronomy. Properly laying out a plan for the future of the field will allow it to continue flourishing.
We are living in exceptional circumstances. It is not business as usual. There is no script, and where we end up after the global pandemic is partly up to us.
The Spitzer Space Telescope recently ceased operations, powering down its remaining detector after more than a decade and a half of revealing the infrared Universe. Its legacy will be continued by far more expensive missions that will have big boots to fill.
Staff across 74 UK universities are striking because pay and working conditions are eroding, and changes to the pension scheme mean that workers fear they are paying in more money for fewer benefits without good reason. More clarity is needed.
The recent suite of ground and space observatories bring solar physics into the twenty-first century. Solar Orbiter, due to launch this month, will observe the polar regions from up close, which is essential for understanding the magnetic field of the Sun.
Planets and their systems have long held the spotlight, but researchers, space agencies and even the private sector and the public have turned their attention to small bodies.
Diversity of thought and perspective fosters innovation and productivity. Equity is an ethical imperative. There is plenty of scope to improve both diversity and equity in our field and this issue’s Focus puts the spotlight on actions today for a more inclusive tomorrow.
Nature Astronomy is uniquely positioned to publish a variety of excellent scientific research alongside commentary, opinion and editorial content on the topics that matter most to the astronomy and planetary science communities. We are committed to promoting diversity in peer review and the voices we feature.
With a growing coverage of the night sky, the quantity and quality of transient event detections is booming. In this issue, our Focus looks particularly at observations of different types of supernovae and the need for a classification scheme that can systematically accommodate the diversity of stellar explosions and progenitors.
We publish in this issue our first Matters Arising, a new way for Nature Research journals to host a sound and peer-reviewed debate driven by the community on a stimulating (and maybe polarizing) topic presented in a published paper.
Renewed investment in lunar exploration (and beyond) will benefit basic research and applied science, but we need to tread carefully in order to prevent the exploitation of extraterrestrial resources.
The stunning picture of a black hole shadow that was released by the Event Horizon Telescope highlights the power of collaborative projects, as no single person, telescope or nation could have captured such an image.
