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.
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Latest Articles

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

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

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

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
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

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
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

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

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

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

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