Topic: International Astronomical Union

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Quadrantid meteor shower tonight: the top nine meteor showers of 2011

This week will see a lesser known meteor shower, the Quadrantid, dazzle the night sky on Jan. 3 and 4. It's the first of nine significant meteor showers in 2011. Here’s a list of all the events and what to watch for each time.
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Long lived Mars rover picks prime spot to weather winter

Opportunity is hunkering down at a spot called Greeley Haven, a rocky outcrop along the rim of the Red Planet's huge Endeavour crater.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaks Weds, one of 2012's best

The Quadrantids are notoriously unpredictable, but if any year promises a fine display, this could be it.
10-year-old becomes youngest to discover supernova

A 10-year-old Canadian girl became the youngest person ever to discover an exploding star, or supernova.
Quadrantid meteor shower tonight: the top nine meteor showers of 2011

This week will see a lesser known meteor shower, the Quadrantid, dazzle the night sky on Jan. 3 and 4. It's the first of nine significant meteor showers in 2011. Here’s a list of all the events and what to watch for each time.
Should Pluto be restored as a planet? Experts weigh in.

New calculations indicate that Pluto might be the largest object in the outer solar system. Does it now deserve to be called a planet again?
Gliese 581g: 'Goldilocks' planet might not exist after all

Gliese 581g, a newly discovered, first-of-its-kind planet thought to exist in its star's habitable zone, might just be 'noise,' astronomers say.
Neptune nears completing its first orbit since its 1846 discovery

Neptune has come almost full circle since it was first discovered in 1846, and on Aug. 20, it will be in a straight line with the sun and the Earth.
Perseid meteor shower: August 2010 marks more than just a show

Researchers will be gathering data during the Perseid meteor shower. August 2010 is part of a renaissance for meteor science in the US after nearly two decades of neglect.
Meteor shower August 2010: how you can get the best view

Meteor shower August 2010 peak comes early Friday. Emanating from the constellation Perseid, the meteor shower could yield sightings in some locations of up to 75 meteors an hour.
Gallery: Planets
Scientists spot massive methane rainstorm over Titan

A rare storm system over Titan's tropics help explain the region's unique liquid-carved landscape.
The Pluto Files

A lively account of the ‘exile’ of Pluto, everyone’s favorite ex-planet.
Discoveries
Name that bat for the holidays