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This image shows the location of Cloud-9, which is 2,000 light-years from Earth. The diffuse magenta is radio data from the ground-based Very Large Array (VLA) showing the presence of the cloud. The dashed circle marks the peak of radio emission,which is where researchers focused their search for stars. Follow-up observations by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope’s Advanced Camera for Surveys found no stars within the cloud. The few objects that appear within its boundaries are background galaxies. Before the Hubble observations, scientists could argue that Cloud-9 is a faint dwarf galaxy whose stars could not be seen with ground-based telescopes due to the lack of sensitivity. Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys shows that, in reality, the failed galaxy contains no stars. [Image description: A region of space mostly filled with background galaxies, with one prominent star at upper left. A large blob of purple haze occupies much of the field. Within the purple region, an unremarkable area is outlined with a dashed white circle.]
Space Telescope

Mysterious space object is full of dark matter

The failed star factory is nicknamed ā€˜Cloud-9.’

A fluffy beavers sits in front of a fallen tree branch with yellow leaves.
Land

Idaho once dropped 76 beavers from airplanes—on purpose

Don't worry. They had parachutes.

Lasko space heaters on sale at Amazon
Home

Amazon dropped Lasko space heater prices by up to 35% during this limited winter sale

Cold weather season is in full effect. A well-placed space heater can make your home more comfortable while cutting your utility bill.

African penguin chick close-up
Birds

Aquarium welcomes third endangered penguin chick in less than a month

This African penguin baby will sadly not be named after a hot dog.

a coin minted in 1804. it is silver and features the word liberty, the profile of a woman with long hair, and the year 1804
Archaeology

ā€˜King of Silver Dollars’ coin could fetch over $1M at auction

Coin collectors consider the rare 1804 dollar one of the field's most desirable trophies.

Close up of hands playing chess, with white checkmating
Science

Chess isn’t fair—so rearrange the pieces

A new study suggests the standard chessboard setup needs restructuring.

A crowded presentation at CS 2025, with keynote speakers shown on stage
Gear

CES 2026: The tech that excites us enough to fly thousands of miles and walk hundreds more

Every January the hottest gear and gadgets are previewed in Las Vegas, and here’s just some of what we plan to see at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.

a cave painting of two warty pigs
Land

Pigs have been island hopping for 50,000 years

With human help, the mammals can defy 'the world’s most fundamental natural boundaries.'

A fluffy, grey British Shorthair cat wearing small, gold-rimmed round glasses sits behind an open book on a soft blue textured surface. The cat is looking down at the blank pages as if intently reading.
Ask Us Anything

Can animals read? Not in the human way.

Bonobos, dolphins, and other animals can decode complex symbols.

Dreo air purifiers, space heaters, and fans on sale at Amazon
Home

Amazon just dropped Dreo fans, air purifiers, and space heaters to clearance prices

Make your 2026 resolution to improve the air quality in your home with these discounted devices from Dreo.

a couple holding hands as the sun sets over water
Animals

Why humans live and die for love

A new book explores how humans evolved to be wired for intimacy. It can save our lives.

Edinburgh, UK - June 5, 2016: The front pages of a collection of British newspapers, featuring headlines and images taken during the career of former world heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali, following his death on 3rd June 2016. --- UK newspaper front pages featuring images of Muhammad Ali, following news of his death on 3rd June 2016. All artist royalties from sales of this file and others in the lightbox linked to below are donated to Oxfam, an international charity committed to finding lasting solutions to poverty and related injustice around the world. Please click [url=http://istockpho.to/OxfamDonationLightbox]here[/url] to see the files in the Oxfam Donation lightbox. Lightbox royalties donated to 1st August 2015: GBP 1,823.56 (USD 2,850.88) Next date for donations: 1st August 2016
Psychology

What 38 million obituaries reveal about how Americans define a ā€˜life wellĀ lived’

Obituaries provide a window into the prevailing traditions and moral values of their time.

astronauts standing together
Science

6 science milestones turning 40 this year

In 1986, we had huge leaps forward, tragic steps back, and life-changing innovations.

pills of various sizes laid out in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and pink order
Diseases

Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why.

New book explores the philosophy of addiction.

Woman in pyjamas stretching and yawning surrounded by alarm clocks.
Health

Why do we wake up shortly before our alarm goes off? It’s not byĀ chance.

You can't hit snooze on your brain.

Close up of microwave vacuum dried beet chips and hands reaching to grab them
Nutrition

Food scientists cook up healthier chips that don’t taste awful

Microwave Vacuum Drying, or MVD, may be a real MVP for snack foods.

several united states quarters
Science

5 new quarters commemorate 250 years of American independence

The new designs honor the Constitution, Civil War, and more.

A group of three African elephants walking through tall, dry yellow grass in a savanna. The central elephant is facing forward with its large ears fully fanned out, flanked by two others with visible tusks.
Ask Us Anything

Why do elephants have such big ears? There’s not one answer.

The multi-use appendages are kind of like their superpower.

A young Asian man heading to a clothes shelf in a store before taking a closer look at a t-shirt.
Pollution

What your cheap clothes cost the planet

A global supply chain built for speed is leaving behind waste, toxins, and a trail of environmental wreckage.

Stanley cooler and tumbler on a space background
Fitness Gear

Amazon is clearing out Stanley tumblers, water bottles, food containers and more during this limited sale

Stay hydrated and keep all of your drinks cold all year with these drinkware deals from Stanley.