The Latest Breaking News from the Milky Way

When most of us think about what shaped our planet, we probably picture volcanoes, earthquakes, and huge continents slowly drifting apart (or back together again) over millions or billions of years. We also know meteorite impacts were important; our crater-packed Moon is clear evidence of that.

Astronomers say that mysterious interstellar visitors like 'Oumuamua and 3I/ATLAS are the most common large bodies in the Milky Way — and our best chance to study other planetary systems.

Here's where to find very dark skies in the U.S. and Canada.

The impending merger of the two galaxies hints at what might be in store for the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy if and when they collide.

Malorie Thorson braved a chilled booth as sculptor Gerry Kulzer carved her likeness from a 41-kilogram block of butter, a 60-year tradition at the Minnesota State Fair.

Malorie Thorson, the newly crowned 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way, has embraced a unique tradition at the Minnesota State Fair

The Double Cluster, Wild Duck open Cluster, and Coathanger asterism are on display in August.

A distant galaxy nicknamed "Cosmic Grapes" is bursting with massive star-forming clumps — far more than expected — offering fresh clues about how galaxies grew in the early universe.

Saturday's new moon is a seasonal "black moon" — a rare phenomenon that occurs once every 33 months. Here's what that means and why it's a great night for stargazing.