Milky Way
Latest about Milky Way
Giant black hole inside a tiny satellite galaxy defies explanation
By Tereza Pultarova published
A tiny galaxy orbiting at the outskirts of the Milky Way appears to have a giant black hole at its center, comparable to that of the much larger Milky Way itself, and scientists don't know why.
This hot 'stream' of star gas will collide with our galaxy sooner than we thought
By Brandon Specktor published
Researchers rewound the history of the Magellanic Stream, and found it is 5 times closer to Earth that previously thought
Astronomers discover enormous 'barrier' separating the center of the Milky Way from the cosmic ray sea
By Brandon Specktor published
Scientists studying cosmic rays near the galaxy's center discovered a strange 'barrier' keeping the fast-moving rays from entering the Milky Way's middle.
Enormous 'shipyard' of ancient galaxies discovered 11 billion light-years away
By Patrick Pester published
Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a massive protocluster 11 billion light-years away that acts as an assembly yard for over 60 emerging galaxies.
1st exoplanet outside the Milky Way possibly discovered
By Chelsea Gohd published
For the first time in history, scientists may have discovered a planet in another galaxy.
Astronomers discover enormous 'cavity' in the Milky Way being masked by a cosmic illusion
By Brandon Specktor published
Astronomers discover that two large clouds of gas in the Taurus and Perseus constellations are separated by a 500 light-year-long 'cavity', thanks to an ancient supernova.
Nearly 900 years ago, astronomers spotted a strange, bright light in the sky. We finally know what caused it.
By Yasemin Saplakoglu published
In the 12th century, Chinese and Japanese astronomers spotted a supernova in the sky shining as brightly as Saturn.
Our Milky Way galaxy isn't very well mixed, study suggests
By Meghan Bartels published
Our galaxy isn't as thoroughly mixed as scientists sometimes assume, according to a new study.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.