Planetary scientists believe that Earth was formed by the conglomeration of meteorites and comets – which also brought water.
The source of water on Earth, the Moon and planets in our solar system is hotly debated. Some in the planetary science community argued that it came from asteroids and comets. Now they have proof.
Meteorites might look like boring bits of rock – but each one has a fascinating story.
The 2018 Geminids meteor shower recorded over two very cold hours on the slope of Mount Lütispitz, Switzerland.
Moonlight will spoil some of the big meteor showers this year, but still plenty of others to see. So here's your guide on when and where to look to catch nature's fireworks.
Comet 46P/Wirtanen captured on November 15 this year using the remote iTelescope (Siding Springs Observatory, Australia).
Flickr/Victor R Ruiz
The comet 46P/Wirtanen is just 1.2km in size but it should be visible in the night sky this Saturday as it makes a close approach to Earth this year. And don't forget the Geminids meteor shower.
A comet-gazing opportunity to close out the year.
I MAKE PHOTO 17/Shutterstock.com
A bright comet visible in December provides an excellent viewing opportunity for night sky lovers – even potentially with the naked eye.
A spectacular display.
Expect a spectacular display of 120 or more meteors per hour – some of them brightly coloured.
The 2017 Geminids as seen from Ecuador, against the backdrop of the splendid Milky Way (centre) and the Large Magellanic Cloud (right).
Your guide to some of the best meteor showers for 2018. Where to look and when in both the northern and southern skies to catch nature's fireworks.
New research reveals the true nature of 'Oumuamua, the cigar-shaped rock that recently visited Earth's solar system.
Artist’s impression of the enigmatic space rock.
Having discovered an asteroid from outside the solar system for the first time, scientists are hoping there are more out there – illuminating the path to extrasolar worlds.
Tiny and very faint, this fast moving object (centre) was captured by astronomers as it passed through our Solar system.
Queen's University Belfast
The mystery object seen moving through our Solar system shows the void between the stars is far from empty. So can we expect more interstellar visitors?
Researchers are looking at whether devastating asteroid strikes are predictable or random.
Patience can be rewarded as with this composite of the 2016 Geminids meteor shower, seen over Mt Teide volcano on the Canary Islands, off Spain.
2017 is looking to be a spectacular year for meteor showers. So here's what to look out for in both the northern and southern skies.
Comet 67P taken with a wide-angle lens from an altitude of about 15.5km above the surface during the spacecraft’s final descent on September 30.
ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA
A moment of sadness with tears shed ... then it was on with the work.
The annual Perseid meteor shower gives us a glimpse of remnants from the early formation of the solar system.
On February 29, night suddenly becomes day.
Was it a UFO? Was it a high-tech plane? Here's what lucky people really saw over Scotland on February 29.
A meteor exploding over the South Pacific on February 6 was the biggest since the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013. Here are some other fiery visitors.
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, as seen from Rosetta.
Prepare to be amazed ...
Ceres: a bright spot in planetary exploration.
Is it a dwarf planet, an asteroid or a comet? All of the above? Well, with the latest results about Ceres, researchers aren't entirely sure anymore.
Rosetta deploys the Philae lander to comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
ESA/ATG medialab; Comet image: ESA/Rosetta/Navcam
Scientists working with data sent back by the now-slumbering Philae lander have announced the discovery of organic molecules on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Finding organic compounds on 67P’s surface…
Philae’s first panorama shows a 360 degree view around the point of final touchdown. Superimposed is a sketch of what the lander team b