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Transit of Venus: Early 'tape measure' for size of our solar system (+video)

The next transit of Venus occurs June 5. Astronomers once used the transit of Venus across the sun to come up with the 'astronomical unit' – the distance from Earth to our sun.
White births in US no longer a majority

White births in the US have been surpassed by racial and ethnic minorities, according to newest Census data.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s estranged wife found dead at home (+video)

Mary Richardson Kennedy was an environmentally conscious architect and mother of four.
Focus
Share of working moms nearing all-time high, but has it gotten any easier?

The percentage of mothers in the workforce is nearing record highs, leading to more societal acceptance and childcare options, but mothers still face a 'mommy wage gap' and other challenges.
Supermoon Saturday: Why it's the biggest, brightest of 2012 (+video)

Supermoon Saturday: It's also called the 'Flower Moon,' and 'Milk Moon.' The 'supermoon' will be only 221,802 miles from Earth, the closest to our planet this year.
What does Easter have to do with the moon anyway?

Traditionally, Easter is observed on the Sunday after the first full moon of spring in the northern hemisphere.
Mars, moon, and star form brilliant sky triangle tonight

The moon, Mars and the star Regulus will combine to form a very bright triple play Tuesday night.
Chapter & Verse
'50 Shades of Grey': What is the appeal?

'50 Shades of Grey,' an erotic novel inspired by the 'Twilight' series, is soaring in popularity across the US.
The science behind Groundhog Day (Hint: There isn't any.)

Despite the prognostications of celebrity marmots, the arrival of spring is based largely on the Earth's orientation to the sun.
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.
Winter solstice: Days to get longer starting Thursday

Since June 20, the altitude of the midday sun has been lowering as its direct rays have been gradually migrating to the south. The sun's altitude above the horizon at noontime is 47 degrees lower now for observers in the Northern Hemisphere, compared to six months ago.
Cover Story
Gratitude: a healthy recipe for Thanksgiving

Gratitude is an ethic that experts now see as equally secular and religious – not to mention a healthy recipe for Thanksgiving all year round.
German satellite to fall to Earth. Here's how to watch it.

German satellite: A decommissioned German X-Ray space observatory about the size of a minivan is falling to Earth. With a dark sky, you can see it as it gradually descends.
Moon, Jupiter to shine near each other tonight

Moon meet Jupiter, Jupiter meet moon. The two most brilliant objects in our current night sky will make for an eye-catching duo tonight, weather permitting.
Perseid meteor shower: Best times to see the 'shooting stars'

Perseid meteor shower fans should go out Wednesday and Thursday a.m. to avoid the glare from the moon. The Perseid meteor shower peak is Aug. 13.
Borders: A pioneer exits. Will its trail vanish, too?

Borders looming liquidation will have wide-ranging effect on the book industry. Borders bankruptcy marks the decline of big-box stores it pioneered.
School-bus sized asteroid to hurtle past Earth Monday morning

At 9:26 AM Eastern time on Monday, a small asteroid will make an extremely close pass to our planet, but there is no chance that it will strike it, say NASA officials.
Summer solstice: Everything you want to know

Summer solstice: Summer arrives to the Northern Hemisphere at 1:16pm Eastern time on Tuesday.
Space Shuttle Endeavour: See the last flyby early Tuesday morning

The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be visible in the night sky early Tuesday morning. When can you see Endeavor, on it's last mission, and where should you look?
Illinois death penalty abolished, state clears death row

Illinois death penalty: Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's signature on legislation getting rid of the death penalty provoked an extraordinary array of emotions Wednesday — almost all of them intense.
Tax VOX
Obama's digging himself into a tax reform hole

The president says he wants to get rid of tax loopholes, but he's come up with a new set of them for his 2012 budget.
Solar Flare: A Northern Lights show for North America?

Solar flare - one of the biggest in four years - shot from the sun on Sunday. Scientists predict that a solar flare of this size - and traveling toward Earth - could produce a dramatic light show. Did it?
Questions remain after police kill college football player, Danroy Henry

Local police shot and killed a college football star, Danroy Henry, in New York, but witnesses say the police story is not accurate and they demand justice.
Perseid meteor shower makes impressive start

Perseid meteor shower promises to be one of the flashiest meteor displays of the year, if you can stay awake to watch them.
Solar eclipse Sunday can be seen only on Easter Island

Solar eclipse on Sunday will be visible only on Easter Island in the South Pacific.