Part of Science & Signs
Our Place in the Cosmos
Comets crossing the night sky, the pull of gravity, activity on the Sun and the search for life beyond Earth all invite questions about our place in the universe. Here we explore what observations reveal, what remains uncertain and how people have interpreted the heavens.
From Wonder to Understanding
Our coverage will examine comets and asteroids, the Moon and tides, solar flares and space weather, distant planets and the search for extraterrestrial life. Scientific evidence, historical traditions and religious interpretations will be clearly distinguished.
Astronomy & Space Articles
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What to See in the Night Sky: November–December 2026
Your UK guide to Mars and Jupiter, the Leonids, Uranus at opposition, the Geminids and the winter solstice—with dates, viewing advice and realistic expectations.
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Asteroids and Earth: How Scientists Measure the Risk
What does ‘potentially hazardous’ really mean? How scientists calculate asteroid impact risks, why probabilities change, and what NASA’s DART mission demonstrated.
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The Carrington Event: What Happens When the Sun Attacks Earth?
In 1859, a solar storm sent electrical currents surging through telegraph systems around the world. What would happen if a storm of similar magnitude struck our technology-dependent civilisation today?
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Comets: Cosmic Visitors, Omens and What Science Reveals
Explore what comets are, Halley’s testable prediction, the comet of 1066 and the difference between a celestial spectacle, an omen and an impact risk.
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Solar Flares: What Space Weather Really Means for Earth
Discover how solar flares, coronal mass ejections and geomagnetic storms differ, what they can affect on Earth, and how to read space weather warnings.