universe | Natural History Magazine

July-August 2009

Signs of water from long ago and far away.

Centuries of astronomy, plus video-game technology, offer a stunning new perspective on our place in space.

October 2010

In northern latitudes, Orion dominates the winter sky.

November 2009

Early black holes were slow to grow.

September 2009

An Internet guide to exploring the mysteries of sunspots

April 2007

Could strange new physics be affecting a pair of distant space probes?

February 2007

In John Updike's memorable description, "The earth is just a silly ball/To them, through which they simply pass."

November 2005

Scientists face a choice: invoke a deity or continue the quest for knowledge

April 2007

Neil deGrasse Tyson explains how embracing cosmic realities can enlighten our view of human life.

September 2007

Astronomers of the distant future won’t be able to deduce the nature of the universe.

Caves are among the predators’ favorite spots.

The brain doesn't much care whether an experience is real.

Humans will never win a sprint against your average quadruped. But our species is well-adapted for the marathon.

Hear author Xiaoming Wang interviewed by Vittorio Maestro, Editor in Chief of Natural History. (MP3, 17 minutes)