Science and Exploration

Dr. Alistair Finch

Senior Editor, Space & Astronomy

As the Senior Editor of Space & Astronomy at Science and Exploration, Dr. Alistair Finch helms the publication's coverage of deep space missions, international space agencies, and theoretical cosmology. He specializes in translating complex topics like general relativity, quantum mechanics, and black hole physics into clear, authoritative prose for curious readers. By combining rigorous scientific analysis with historical context, he ensures that every story provides deep insight into the frontiers of space policy and planetary science. His editorial approach focuses on delivering exacting standards of clarity and depth to help readers navigate the mysteries of the cosmic microwave background.

Expertise

Theoretical CosmologyAstrophysicsSpace PolicyHistory of ScienceQuantum MechanicsGeneral RelativityPlanetary Science

Coverage Areas

Deep Space Missions (JWST, Roman)
International Space Agencies (NASA, ESA, CNSA)
Black Hole Physics
Cosmic Microwave Background

Latest Articles

Diagnostic Orders Direct Review: Is Their $40 Online Imaging Order Too Good to Be True?
Applied Technology

Diagnostic Orders Direct Review: Is Their $40 Online Imaging Order Too Good to Be True?

Diagnostic Orders Direct offers a $40 telehealth consultation for diagnostic test orders, meeting a growing need for affordable and convenient medical imaging referrals. The service ensures legitimate orders through a formal Clinical Appropriateness Assessment by licensed U.S. medical providers.

Sponsored by Diagnostic Orders Direct · Aug 5, 2026 · 7 min read

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage on a collision course with the Moon, approaching the area near the Einstein crater.
Space & Astronomy

SpaceX rocket stage to crash near moon's Einstein crater

A five-ton piece of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, traveling at 5,400 mph, is expected to collide with the Moon near the crater Einstein on Wednesday, August 5, according to ABCNews and Space.

Aug 5, 2026 · 4 min read

A vast expanse of the Milky Way galaxy near its center, with glowing interstellar gas and dust hinting at the presence of complex organic molecules like sugar.
Space & Astronomy

Astronomers Find Sugar Molecule in Deep Space, Hinting at Life's Origins

In the desolate expanse near our galaxy's supermassive black hole, astronomers have, for the first time, detected erythrulose, a four-carbon sugar molecule crucial to the very origins of life.

Aug 2, 2026 · 4 min read

A Neanderthal and an early Homo sapiens share a moment of connection under a prehistoric sunset, symbolizing ancient interspecies interactions.
Human Origins

Neanderthal-Human Interactions: The Love Story Everyone Gets Wrong

An ancient jawbone recovered from Peştera cu Oase, a Romanian cave, revealed a human individual whose genetic makeup indicated a Neanderthal ancestor as recent as four to six generations prior, offeri

Jul 7, 2026 · 5 min read

How MSSPs Can Use Lunar Across Multiple Client Domains
Tech & Innovation

How MSSPs Can Use Lunar Across Multiple Client Domains

MSSPs face challenges monitoring security across multiple client domains, particularly with credential exposure. Lunar helps by providing a domain-level view of leaked credentials and session data, enabling efficient review and concrete discussions with clients.

Sponsored · Jul 7, 2026 · 4 min read

The Euclid space telescope observing ancient quasars in the early universe, challenging theories about cosmic reionization.
Space & Astronomy

Euclid Aids Discovery of 31 Early Quasars, Challenges Reionization

The European Space Agency's Euclid space-based telescope, launched in 2024, has already released images of two of the most ancient quasars ever located.

Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read

Why the Non-Invasive Tech Trend Makes Pillowsonic Symphony a Smart Wellness Purchase
Tech & Innovation

Why the Non-Invasive Tech Trend Makes Pillowsonic Symphony a Smart Wellness Purchase

The article highlights the growing trend of non-invasive sleep technology, positioning Pillowsonic Symphony as a smart wellness purchase due to its comfort and effectiveness in providing sound therapy for better sleep, without the drawbacks of traditional wearables. It caters to the increasing demand for solutions that address widespread sleep disorders.

Sponsored · Jul 2, 2026 · 5 min read

Exoplanet CoRoT-2b with a visible westward-shifted hotspot, illustrating a challenge to current atmospheric circulation models.
Space & Astronomy

CoRoT-2b's westward hotspot challenges exoplanet models

Thermal phase observations of the scorching hot Jupiter CoRoT-2b, conducted with the Spitzer Space Telescope's IRAC instrument, revealed a significant westward hotspot offset of 23 4 degrees in 2026 (

Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, with its distinctive tail, travels through deep space, highlighting its unique deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio and implications for early solar system formation.
Space & Astronomy

What is Deuterium in Comets and Early Solar System Formation?

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS carries water with a deuterium-to-hydrogen (D/H) ratio exceeding 6.

Jun 28, 2026 · 5 min read

A futuristic spacecraft orbits Earth, symbolizing NASA's selected technology proposals for future Moon and Mars missions.
Space & Astronomy

NASA identifies 41 space tech proposals for future collaboration

NASA has selected 41 proposals from 37 companies to advance critical technologies for Moon and Mars missions, yet these partnerships proceed without direct funding.

Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read

The James Webb Space Telescope reveals millions of previously hidden stars within the dusty disk of the Cigar Galaxy, M82, showcasing intense star formation.
Space & Astronomy

Cigar Galaxy ignites millions of stars at an extreme rate

Over 16.5 million individual stars, previously obscured by cosmic dust, now blaze into view across the Cigar Galaxy's disk, a revelation made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope. This unprecede

Jun 26, 2026 · 4 min read

Botswana's flag on the moon with Earth in the background, symbolizing its commitment to the Artemis Accords and lunar exploration.
Space & Astronomy

Botswana becomes 68th nation to sign NASA's Artemis Accords

Just last year, Botswana launched its first satellite, BOTSAT-1.

Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read

A NASA sounding rocket ascends into the sky as students observe from the ground, symbolizing a new era of accessible space education.
Space & Astronomy

NASA Launches Student Experiments on Sounding Rocket

For the first time, NASA is launching a single sounding rocket carrying experiments from nearly 250 participants across 38 university and community college teams.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A supermassive black hole with a glowing accretion disk, warping spacetime, set against a backdrop of stars and nebulae in deep space.
Space & Astronomy

How to Detect and Study Black Holes: A Complete Guide

In April 2019, scientists unveiled the first-ever image of a black hole, a feat accomplished by linking eight radio observatories across the planet.

Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read

A solitary asteroid, designated 29014, floats in deep space, its form subtly reminiscent of a guitar, honoring the late musician Elliott Smith.
Space & Astronomy

Astronomers Officially Name Asteroid After Elliott Smith

An asteroid now bears the name 'Elliottsmith', and its official designation, 29014, precisely matches the late singer-songwriter's birthday: March 14.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

A swarm of advanced telescopes in orbit around a vibrant exoplanet, searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.
Space & Astronomy

Astronomers propose telescope swarm to detect alien life

On April 16, researchers announced a 'three sigma' detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), implying a less tha

Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read

Artemis III rocket launching into space, with a concerned crowd watching below, symbolizing the controversy over the all-male crew.
Space & Astronomy

Artemis III all-male crew sparks controversy

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson defended the all-male crew for the historic Artemis III Moon mission, stating, "we pick the best of the best," according to 9News .

Jun 14, 2026 · 3 min read

SpaceX Dragon spacecraft undocking from the International Space Station, with planet Earth visible below in a dramatic, sunlit view.
Space & Astronomy

SpaceX Dragon spacecraft set to depart ISS Tuesday

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is set to return to Earth with nearly 6,500 pounds of critical scientific research samples, completing a vital mission for the International Space Station, according to NASA

Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read

AstroPix gamma-ray detector prototype with robotic arms in a futuristic laboratory setting, representing NASA's advancements in space exploration technology.
Space & Astronomy

NASA robotic tech demo develops gamma-ray detectors

NASA's 2019 Government Invention of the Year, the Miniaturized High-Speed Modulated X-ray Source (MXS), set the stage for AstroPix, a new gamma-ray detector intended for future robotic space missions.

Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read

NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft in flight over the Mojave desert, demonstrating its quiet supersonic capabilities.
Space & Astronomy

NASA's X-59 Aircraft Achieves First Supersonic Flight

On June 5, NASA's experimental X-59 aircraft sliced through the sound barrier over California's Mojave desert, not with a thunderous boom, but with a quiet 'thump' that could redefine air travel.

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read