Dr. Alistair Finch
Senior Editor, Space & Astronomy
With a PhD in Astrophysics from Cambridge, Alistair spent a decade in research focusing on galactic evolution before transitioning to science journalism. He was a longtime contributor to 'The Astrophysical Journal' and served as the European science correspondent for 'Cosmos Magazine,' where his series on the construction of the Extremely Large Telescope won the Royal Society Science Book Prize. At 'Science and Exploration,' Alistair helms the Space & Astronomy section, ensuring every piece meets his exacting standards for clarity, accuracy, and depth. He is renowned for his ability to distill complex theoretical physics into compelling, authoritative prose.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
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 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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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
San Francisco Unveils Metropolitan Mosaic Art Installation Amid Cost Controversy
Just hours after its grand unveiling, the 10,000-square-foot 'Metropolitan Mosaic' in Civic Center Plaza became the focal point of a heated protest, not for its beauty, but for its $5.
Jun 9, 2026 · 4 min read
New Data Reveals Universe Cannot Be Cyclic
The universe is expanding so rapidly that even light from distant galaxies will eventually be stretched beyond our observable horizon, making a 'Big Crunch' and subsequent 'Big Bounce' physically impo
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Wildfire smoke significantly boosts U.S. ground-level ozone
Ground-level ozone pollution, once steadily declining, has reversed course since 2015, now rising by 0.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
M88 Galaxy's Future Fades in Virgo Cluster Journey
Gravitational forces already tear at the spiral galaxy Messier 88, compressing its gas disk and stripping away vital material.
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Santa Rosa Island fire impacts 18,379 acres of rare ecosystems
The Santa Rosa Island fire, which scorched a verified 18,379 acres, passed directly through the island's stronghold of rare Torrey pine trees, thereby threatening a species found almost nowhere else o
Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Blue Origin's Endurance Lander Passes Crucial Lunar Test
Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander, named Endurance, successfully passed a thermal vacuum test in NASA's Chamber A at Johnson Space Center, a critical step for its 2026 mission.
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Jaclyn Kagey Leads Artemis EVA Planning for NASA
During a critical ammonia leak on the International Space Station, Jaclyn Kagey planned and executed a repair spacewalk with only 36 hours to prepare.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
SETI's history: Federal withdrawal, private persistence
Less than a year after NASA launched its formal, intensive Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program on Columbus Day in 1992, Congress abruptly canceled all federal support.
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Estes Blue Origin Model Rocket On Sale for Memorial Day
The Estes Blue Origin New Shepard model rocket is on sale for $13.
May 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Game 'Lunar Strike' depicts space travel decline in 2026
In the game 'Lunar Strike', released in 2026, the player assumes the role of a junior archivist documenting humanity's final lunar settlement, not as a triumph of exploration, but as a consequence of
May 24, 2026 · 2 min read