Alexandra Witze

Nature • 30th January 2023

Will an AI be the first to discover alien life?

SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, is deploying machine-learning algorithms that filter out Earthly interference and spot signals humans might miss.

Science News • 27th January 2023

It's possible to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Here's how

The key to a decarbonized future lies in producing vast amounts of new electricity from sources that emit little to no greenhouse gases, and then transforming as much of our lives and our industries as possible to run off those sources.

14th December 2022

Jane Rigby: Sky hunter

This astronomer had a key role in getting the James Webb Space Telescope into space and working properly.

Nature • 12th December 2022

Fifty years after astronauts left the Moon, they are going back. Why?

NASA aims to rekindle the spirit of Apollo a half century after the United States left the lunar surface.

Nature • 16th November 2022

Lift off! Artemis Moon rocket launch kicks off new era of human exploration

The NASA flight tests a rocket and capsule that could return astronauts to the Moon after 50 years.

Nature • 28th September 2022

‘Bit of panic’: Astronomers forced to rethink early Webb telescope findings

Revised instrument calibrations are bedevilling work on the distant Universe.

Science News • 5th August 2022

How Mars rovers have evolved in 25 years of exploring the Red Planet

Few things are harder than hurling a robot into space — and sticking the landing.

Nature • 4th August 2022

Extreme heatwaves: surprising lessons from the record warmth

From London to Shanghai, unprecedented heatwaves have scorched many parts of the world in recent weeks.

Nature • 14th July 2022

Hawaii law could break years-long astronomy impasse

A law signed by Hawaii’s governor removes the University of Hawaii from its role as the main authority overseeing the land on which the telescopes sit, and gives responsibility to a much broader representation of the community, including Native Hawaiians.

Nature • 12th July 2022

New Webb images: baby stars, colliding galaxies and hot exoplanets

NASA’s US$10-billion James Webb Space Telescope released four new scientific images on 12 July, including newborn stars sparkling through dramatic ‘cliffs’ of gas, and galaxies interacting in an intricate cosmic dance.

Nature • 11th July 2022

Russia’s war in Ukraine forces Arctic climate projects to pivot

Sander Veraverbeke had been keen to travel to Siberia to meet Russian collaborators and measure how vegetation affects emissions from Arctic wildfires. But in February, Russia invaded Ukraine, and Veraverbeke had to abandon his plans.

Nature • 8th July 2022

Surprising dust strike on Webb telescope has scientists on alert

Scientists expected the telescope to be dinged by space dust, but a relatively large hit in May has caused them to re-evaluate what they thought they knew.

Nature • 26th May 2022

‘Unsustainable’: how satellite swarms pose a rising threat to astronomy

This story broke the news that SpaceX is no longer putting sunshades on its Starlink satellites.

Nature • 11th May 2022

The $93-billion plan to put astronauts back on the Moon

An in-depth look at NASA's Artemis lunar program.

Science News • 10th March 2022

We're living through a climate crisis. How did we get here?

“What’s happening to the planet is not routine,” says geochemist Ralph Keeling. “We’re in a planetary crisis.”

Grid News • 16th February 2022

Space is turning into a dangerous junkyard

Defunct rockets, satellites and other debris litter the skies. Giant nets, harpoons and robot claws might be part of the solution.

Nature • 8th December 2021

The $11-billion Webb telescope aims to probe the early Universe

A preview of the launch of the hugely ambitious, hugely challenged James Webb Space Telescope.

Nature • 1st October 2021

NASA won’t rename James Webb telescope — and astronomers are angry

The agency found no evidence that the flagship observatory’s namesake was involved in anti-LGBT+ activities, but some say that Webb bears responsibility.

Nature • 14th July 2021

Racism is magnifying the deadly impact of rising city heat

Scientists are mapping correlations between race, poverty and heat in cities, and suggesting solutions to reduce the dangers.

Science News • 6th May 2021

How to detect, resist and counter the flood of fake news

From lies about election fraud to QAnon conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine falsehoods, misinformation is racing through our democracy. And it is dangerous.