[ weird things ] | space
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when stars become cannibalistic parasites
# space

when stars become cannibalistic parasites

When stars get too close to each other the encounters can end in cannibalism, massive explosions, and even parasitic infestations.

why neutron stars may be the coolest objects in the universe
# space

why neutron stars may be the coolest objects in the universe

Neutron stars’ thunder is usually stolen by black holes, but these bizarre objects living on the edge of physics create plenty of fascinating phenomena all on their own.

in an ironic twist, ocean worlds could be hostile to life
# space

in an ironic twist, ocean worlds could be hostile to life

Water usually means life. But could too much water snuff out life before it has a chance to evolve?

asteroid mining will lose a lot of money. we should do it anyway.
# space

asteroid mining will lose a lot of money. we should do it anyway.

Today, nothing can replace terrestrial mining. But if make the necessary long-term investments, our reward will be nearly infinite cheap resources, and a cleaner, healthier Earth.

why we may want to settle on the moon and titan before mars
# space

why we may want to settle on the moon and titan before mars

Science fiction taught us that humanity’s next destination in space should be Mars, but science disagrees.

why space travel makes you more of an environmentalist
# space

why space travel makes you more of an environmentalist

Astronauts get a very rare and unique perspective on our planet, one in which our world isn’t just a steppingstone to the stars, but a fragile home to be protected.

why the crewed dragon launch can make our sci-fi dreams come true
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why the crewed dragon launch can make our sci-fi dreams come true

Private companies launching humans into space is a profound game changer. We just need to follow it to its logical conclusion.

why planet nine may not actually exist
# space

why planet nine may not actually exist

Astronomers looking into the orbits of Kuiper Belt objects may have found a flaw in data we thought pointed to the existence of a large planet beyond Neptune’s orbit.

what the coronavirus mass quarantine can teach us about space travel
# space

what the coronavirus mass quarantine can teach us about space travel

If we're going to explore space, we have to prepare for long periods of isolation and boredom. Can social distancing during this pandemic teach us how to deal with them?

actually no, white dwarfs aren’t ideal when looking for alien life
# space

actually no, white dwarfs aren’t ideal when looking for alien life

Looking for dying civilizations huddling around a cooling ember of a star isn't just a depressing idea, it's shortsighted science that dismisses life's ability to invent and innovate.

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