Nightly News edition

September 28, 2026

Sept. 28, 1969: The Murchison Meteorite explodes over Australia

A large meteorite exploded over Murchison, Victoria, Australia on September 28, 1969, producing a series of loud booms and a streak of smoke in the sky. This event is significant for sky-watchers because it highlights the importance of meteorites in understanding the composition and formation of our solar system. The Murchison Meteorite is particularly notable as it is a carbonaceous chondrite, a rare type of meteorite that contains organic compounds and other valuable scientific information. Sky-watchers can look up information on this historic event to learn more about the science behind meteorites and their impact on our planet.

Read the source: Astronomy.com (opens in new tab)

Beyond Hubble: revisiting the Hubble sequence across cosmic time

A new study published in Nature Astronomy is reexamining the Hubble sequence of galaxy formation across different points in cosmic time, using data from modern observatories like JWST and ALMA. This research is significant for sky-watchers because it sheds light on the physics of galaxy formation, including processes like gas accretion and star formation. By exploring how galaxies have evolved over billions of years, astronomers can gain a deeper understanding of the universe's history and structure. Sky-watchers can look forward to new insights and discoveries as these advanced telescopes continue to reveal the complexities of galaxy formation.

Read the source: Nature Astronomy (opens in new tab)

Meteor hit Oklahoma 100 million years later than previously thought

A meteor impact in Oklahoma occurred 100 million years later than previously thought, according to new research from The University of Texas at Austin. This revised timeline is significant for sky-watchers because it sheds new light on the region's ancient history and the potential for similar events to have shaped our planet. The discovery of the Ames impact structure, a major oil and gas producer, highlights the importance of understanding the geological history of our planet. Sky-watchers interested in meteor impacts can look for more information on the Ames impact structure to learn about its significance in Oklahoma's geologic history.

Read the source: Phys.org (Space News section) (opens in new tab)

What You Need to Know About NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Mission

NASA's SpaceX Crew-13 mission is set to launch four crew members to the International Space Station to perform research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance. This mission is exciting for sky-watchers because it highlights the ongoing collaboration between space agencies and the importance of continued space exploration. The crew includes astronauts from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Roscosmos, making it a notable international effort. Sky-watchers can look forward to following the mission's progress and learning about the research and discoveries made by the crew aboard the International Space Station.

Read the source: NASA (all news) (opens in new tab)

NASA, Boeing Share Update on Commercial Starliner Development Plans

NASA and Boeing have shared an update on the development plans for the commercial Starliner spacecraft, which recently successfully docked at the International Space Station. This update is exciting for sky-watchers because it signals progress in the development of commercial crew missions to low Earth orbit. The addition of new crew missions and certification of a new rocket for crew transportation will likely lead to more frequent launches, offering more opportunities for observers to spot the spacecraft in the sky.

Read the source: NASA (all news) (opens in new tab)