ScienceSep 16, 20265 min

Reading the colours of a nebula

The vivid hues in nebula images map to specific chemical elements. Here is how astronomers translate light into composition.

Sample article — placeholder editorial content for COSMOS Phase 1.

Atoms emit light at characteristic wavelengths when energised. Hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur each produce distinctive emission lines.

Astronomers often image nebulae through narrow filters tuned to these lines, then assign colours to each filter to build a composite image.

The result is both beautiful and scientific: a visual map of where different elements are glowing.

TechnologyOct 28, 20267 min

Light from the first galaxies has been stretched into the infrared by cosmic expansion. Here is why that matters for how we build observatories.

Space ExplorationOct 21, 20265 min

Launches are timed to the second for a reason. Orbital mechanics, target trajectories, and weather all decide when a rocket can fly.

MissionsOct 14, 20266 min

Extravehicular activity is among the most demanding tasks in human spaceflight. A look at the preparation behind every hour outside.

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