Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.
In honor of Global Astronomy Month, we’re exploring the science of space. Learn how astronomy connects us through curiosity, discovery, and a shared wonder for what lies beyond.
Latest News Releases
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 19-Dec-2025 01:11 ET (19-Dec-2025 06:11 GMT/UTC)
New code helps scientists map dark matter halos
Perimeter InstitutePeer-Reviewed Publication
Dark matter and its impact on cosmology have puzzled physicists for nearly a century. Now, a new paper from Perimeter Institute researchers reveals a new code to study the evolution of one dark matter candidate, self-interacting dark matter halos, cosmological structures that the Milky Way and other galaxies live in.
- Journal
- Physical Review Letters
New camera for Sweden’s premier radio telescope enables unique multicolor images of black holes in global project
Chalmers University of TechnologyBusiness Announcement
Significant local differences in how space weather affects safety and technological systems
University of Oulu, FinlandReports and Proceedings
A strong geomagnetic storm in spring 2024 brought the northern lights unusually far south, as the auroral oval expanded well beyond its typical position. "I am surprised at how sparse the measurement network is, even though we know that the impacts of space weather can vary greatly from one area to another," says Doctoral Researcher Otto Kärhä from the University of Oulu, Finland.
World-first UK space weather probes capture biggest solar radiation spike in almost 20 years
University of SurreyElectric discharges detected on Mars for the first time
CNRSPeer-Reviewed Publication
Electric discharges have for the first time been recorded within the storms and whirlwinds of dust – known as dust devils – that sweep across the surface of Mars. Captured by the microphone of the SuperCam instrument on board NASA's Perseverance rover, the signals were analysed by a team of scientists from the CNRS, Université de Toulouse and the Observatoire de Paris – PSL, working as part of an international team. The discharges represent a major discovery with immediate implications for our understanding of the atmospheric chemistry, climate and habitability of Mars, as well as for future robotic and manned missions there. These findings are published in the journal Nature on November 26, 2025.
- Journal
- Nature