Universe Update

The Academy is temporarily closed to the public. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.

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Read our Executive Director's statement on racism, equity, and the work that lies ahead.

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Please note: In observance of the latest guidelines from local and state public health authorities, the Academy is temporarily closed to the public. Learn more about our response to COVID-19—and how you can enjoy the Academy from home.

Latest News

A snapshot from the Digital Universe shows a representation of the Fermi bubbles emerging from our Milky Way galaxy. Lines show the view from Earth to distant quasars, used to determine that the Fermi bubbles formed millions of years ago during an outburst from the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole.

Of Bubbles and Black Holes

You may have heard the rumor—that a supermassive black hole lurks at the center of our galaxy? It's true.

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Simulation of light emitted by two merging supermassive black holes surrounded by nearly transparent gas. (Image courtesy NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.)

Black Holes Near and Far

How do black holes form? And why do they always feel like the popular kids in school?

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Planets form in disks around young stars, and this image shows a face-on view of AB Aurigae, which shows a “twist” near the center where a planet is likely forming. The image was taken by the Very Large Telescope (VLT), operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

Thoughts from a Planetarian: Universe Update for May 2020

Join us on a journey through the Universe as we share recent news from the cosmos.