Donate

Comet

interstellar visitor

In a first, scientists spotted an ‘interstellar visitor’ in our solar system

Science

The quarter-mile-wide hunk of space rock is affectionately being called “A/2017 U1.”

Comet Lovejoy has probably passed through the inner solar system at least once already—we just weren't alive to see it.

Look hard and you can see Comet Lovejoy lighting up the night sky

Science
An artist's concept of NASA's MAVEN spacecraft approaching Mars. The probe entered Mars orbit on September 21.

A NASA spacecraft reaches Mars just in time to see an unexpected guest

Science
Thanksgiving Obamacare

Obama’s having trouble fitting his turkey into the oven this year

Global Scan

The Living on Earth Almanac

Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!

The World

Profile of a Scientist: Lucy McFadden

Despite the advances women have made in the sciences, few women have entered the field of astronomy. Lucy McFadden is one of them. The NASA scientist is trying to discover the make-up of comets and asteroids. The answers may provide clues to the beginnings of our solar system and earth itself.

The World

Hunting asteroids before they hunt earth

Environment

This morning, The Takeaway talks with Dr. Timothy B. Spahr about the asteroid tracking system and a new article in Nature that reports on the composition of the asteroid he recently tracked: it landed in Sudan.

We respect your time, attention and privacy

This is a news website, not a click casino. We do NOT employ deceptive behaviors, display annoying ads or use third party cookies and trackers to monetize your visit or help advertisers track you across the internet.

Simply, we ask that you would consider a donation to support the journalism we produce every weekday. Thank you.

This is The World

The World is a public radio program and podcast that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.

Follow The World

Subscribe to The World’s Latest Edition podcast for free using your favorite podcast player: