The Antarctic ozone hole reached 27.4 million square kilometres on September 20, 2026, the second-largest size recorded for this time of year. Scientists say yearly changes in its size are not, by themselves, a reason for alarm.
Scientists have identified a 222-meter-wide crater that formed on the Moon in 2024. The rare impact and its unusually large cold area may help researchers assess risks for future lunar exploration.
Hubble observations have revealed a huge, evolving ten-sided atmospheric wave around Saturn’s south pole. Scientists are continuing to study how the unusual feature formed and whether it will last.
A new computer-modeling study suggests that the temperature and material strength of the early Earth and Theia may have affected whether the Moon formed from a debris disk or appeared intact soon after a giant impact.
Researchers tested an FM radiosonde and a recoverable stratospheric platform in the Russian Arctic. The platform collected weather and environmental data before landing on Hooker Island.
A strong M6.9 solar flare on August 25 produced a cloud of solar plasma. Forecasters say an Earth-directed component may arrive on August 28 and could bring a moderate geomagnetic storm and auroras.
The joint ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission began its Mercury approach phase on August 18, 2026. The spacecraft is scheduled to begin entering orbit around Mercury on November 21.
