EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Space & Astronomy

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This May brings a rare celestial treat, two full moons in one month! We’re exploring the science of space and how astronomy connects us through curiosity, discovery, and a shared wonder for what lies beyond.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 13-Jun-2026 06:15 ET (13-Jun-2026 10:15 GMT/UTC)

5-Feb-2026

HKU and UCLA scientists uncover the mechanism powering “space battery” above auroral regions

The University of Hong Kong
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study co-led by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) now provided an answer. Published in Nature Communications, the research reveals that Alfvén waves — plasma waves travelling along Earth’s magnetic field lines — act like an invisible power source, fueling the stunning auroral displays we see in the sky.

Journal: Nature Communications

5-Feb-2026

Scientists find a black hole spewing more energy than the Death Star

University of Oregon
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A supermassive black hole with a case of cosmic indigestion has been burping out the remains of a shredded star for four years — and it’s still going strong, new research led by a University of Oregon astrophysicist shows.

4-Feb-2026

Lunar chronology model with the Chang’e-6 farside samples and implications for the early impact history

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

N/A

Journal: Science Advances

4-Feb-2026

Call for papers: 10th anniversary special issue of Big Earth Data

Big Earth Data
Business Announcement

Big Earth Data Journal is calling for papers for a Special Issue on 10th Anniversary Special Issue of Big Earth Data. The journal has published pioneering research that leverages Earth observations, big data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable urbanization, disaster monitoring, etc. To celebrate the journal’s 10th anniversary, we invite submissions to a special issue that reflects on the journal’s decade-long impact, showcases cutting-edge advancements in Big Earth Data research, and defines future directions for the field. This special issue will not only honor the progress made but also encourage the community to tackle emerging challenges and seize opportunities in the next era of data-driven Earth science. Welcome to submit!

Journal: Big Earth Data

4-Feb-2026

Sounding out animal reactions to the 2024 eclipse

Ohio State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

No natural phenomenon provides a rarer chance to study the secrets of the animal world than a total solar eclipse.

Journal: Ethology Ecology & Evolution

4-Feb-2026

Real-time single-event position detection using high-radiation-tolerance GaN

University of Tsukuba
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Silicon (Si) semiconductors are widely used as particle detectors; however, their long-term operation is constrained by performance degradation in high-radiation environments. Researchers at University of Tsukuba have demonstrated real-time, two-dimensional position detection of individual charged particles using a gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor with superior radiation tolerance.

Journal: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics