About the Author: Christine Pulliam

Science writer Christine Pulliam is a former public affairs specialist for the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard College Observatory located in Cambridge, Mass.

Aug

Is Pluto a planet? The votes are in!

On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined “planet” and reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet. The demotion caused an uproar. After all, in the words of one esteemed scientist, “A dwarf hamster is still a hamster.” We revisited the debate a decade later. Continue reading Is Pluto a planet? The votes are in!

Jan

CfA’s Conroy recognized by American Astronomical Society

Charlie Conroy of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics recognized bu the American Astronomical Society. Continue reading CfA’s Conroy recognized by American Astronomical Society

Jul

The Lord of the Underworld gives up its secrets

After 3 billion miles and nine and a half years, NASA’s New Horizons has passed Pluto and entered the farthest reaches of our galaxy. Dr. Scott Kenyon of the Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, tells us what we know and what we hope to learn from this dark and frigid ball of ice. Continue reading The Lord of the Underworld gives up its secrets

Feb

Robert Kirshner Receives Wolf Prize in Physics

February 4, 2015. Have you reached a milestone, received an award or conquered the world (at least your little corner of it) lately? Let us know at torch@si.edu. We want to toot your horn for you! Be sure to include your contact information and a picture as an attachment. Continue reading Robert Kirshner Receives Wolf Prize in Physics

Mar

Have we found evidence for the origins of the universe?

Scientists today announced the discovery of gravitational waves that amount to the “first tremors of the Big Bang.” This is big, indeed. Continue reading Have we found evidence for the origins of the universe?

Nov

Mystery world baffles astronomers

A recently discovered Earth-like planet is a complete mystery that shouldn’t even exist. It doesn’t look as if it will for long. Continue reading Mystery world baffles astronomers

Jul

We are stardust, we are golden–and so is our bling

All the gold that exists in the universe is created in the cataclysmic collision of dead stars. Mind-blowing, right? Continue reading We are stardust, we are golden–and so is our bling

May

Star Songs: the music of the spheres

An unusual collaboration has joined Plato’s “sister sciences” of music and astronomy into a true “music of the spheres.” Continue reading Star Songs: the music of the spheres

Jan