Discover the Radioactive Residue of Ancient Exploding Stars and See Images of Asteroid Donaldjohanson

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This week in the world of astronomy, see images of Asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson from NASA's Lucy spacecraft and discover the radioactive residue of ancient exploding stars on Earth. Plus, learn the origins of interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS.

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This Week's Sky at a Glance, June 26 – July 5


This evening the Moon shines under the three-star head of summery Scorpius. Orange Antares, the Scorpion's 1st-magnitude heart, glimmers 5° or 6° to the Moon's left. That's about three finger-widths at arm's length.

Astro-News Highlights

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Exploding Stars Sprinkled Ancient Earth With Radioactive Iron and Plutonium


Exploding stars have left their radioactive mark on our planet. Now scientists have found more evidence of a particularly violent event in Earth’s more ancient past.

Lucy's First Asteroid Flyby Sheds Light on a Double-lobed Asteroid


On its way to future encounters with Trojan asteroids, the Lucy spacecraft made a practice run past tiny asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson on April 20, 2025.

Double Whammy: Binary Supernova in Gemini


New analysis reveals a tight relationship between two supernova remnants in the outer Milky Way.

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Into the Void: Investigating the Heart of a Giant Elliptical Galaxy


The core of the brightest galaxy in the cluster Abell 402 contains a curious void. New observations suggest that an ultra-massive black hole could have excavated this feature.

Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Has Cold, Ancient Origins


The most recent interstellar visitor was crisscrossing our galaxy for some 10 to 12 billion years before it came near the Sun.

Observing Highlights

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Imaging Supernovae: Illuminate Echoes of Light


Here's how to reveal the reflected light of stellar explosions photographically.

June Podcast: Dance of the Planets


This month’s episode highlights the close pairing of Venus and Jupiter under way in the western sky after sunset.

Presented by: Celestron.

Community

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Amateur Observers Society of New York, Inc.


Join AOSNY on the 1st Sunday of every month from September through June. Please visit the AOSNY webpage frequently for the monthly special guest speaker.

Introducing the "Ultraview Effect"


What is it like to stand in the shadow of Earth and look out at the vastness of the Milky Way? Welcome to the ultraview effect — an expansion of the overview effect. A fascinating dive into science, cognition, and spirituality, The Ultraview Effect shares how astronauts’ experiences of profound humility in the face of the unknown transform our understanding of humanity.


From a trusted S&T partner

The Astrophotography Prize is coming to Chabot


Chabot Space & Science Center is debuting a brand-new exhibit in October featuring astrophotography in this year's Astrophotography Prize! Interested in having your work showcased? Submit your astrophotography now through July 12th at 1AM for the chance to be featured in Chabot's year-long exhibit!


From a trusted S&T partner

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