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Composite image of the central region of Orion

Science Mission Directorate

NASA studies the universe from the smallest particles of matter and energy to the biggest questions of the evolution and structure of the cosmos.

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Latest Features

Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer Completes Mission ...

After 16 years in space, RXTE has made its last observation. The satellite provided unprecedented views into the extreme environments around white ...

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WISE Presents a Cosmic Wreath

Sprigs of holly, a big red bow and silver bells appear to dress up this cosmic star-forming wreath, captured by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey ...

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Thick dust clouds block our night-time view of the Milky Way, creating what is sometimes called the Dark Rift.

2012: Shadow of the Dark Rift

A cosmic alignment of the sun, Earth, and the center of our galaxy on the winter solstice happens every year without event, and poses no danger in ...

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More Features

NASA Telescopes Help Find Rare Galaxy at Dawn of Time

A remote, blob-shaped galaxy has been found bursting with stars by NASA's Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes.
NASA Discovers First Earth-size Planets

NASA's Kepler mission has discovered the first Earth-size planets orbiting a sun-like star outside our solar system.
2012: Fear No Supernova

Given the vastness of space and the long times between supernovae, astronomers can say with certainty that there is no threatening star close enough to hurt Earth.
Hubble Serves Up a Holiday Snow Angel

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope presents a festive holiday greeting in the form of a soaring, celestial snow angel.
Tycho's Star Shines in Gamma-rays

Fermi has revealed gamma-rays in the remains of a supernova first seen in 1572.

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Latest News Releases

NASA's Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer Completes Mission Operations

01.09.12 - After 16 years in space, NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) has made its last observation. The satellite provided unprecedented views into the extreme environments around white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes.
Exoplanets, Supernovae, High-Energy Sky, New Images Among NASA News Highlights at American Astronomical Society Meeting

01.05.12 - NASA researchers will present new findings on a wide range of space science topics during the AAS 2012 winter meeting. The meeting runs from Sunday, Jan. 8, through Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas.