Most detailed observations ever of the Ring Nebula [heic1310] 23 May 2013 The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has produced the most detailed observations ever of the Ring Nebula (Messier 57). This image reveals intricate structure only hinted at in previous observations, and has allowed scientists to construct a model of the nebula in 3D - showing the true shape of this striking object. Read more

Hubble finds dead stars 'polluted' with planetary debris [heic1309] 09 May 2013 The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has found signs of Earth-like planets in an unlikely place: the atmospheres of a pair of burnt-out stars in a nearby star cluster. The white dwarf stars are being polluted by debris from asteroid-like objects falling onto them. This discovery suggests that rocky planet assembly is common in clusters, say researchers. Read more

Entire galaxies feel the heat from newborn stars - Bursts of star birth can curtail future galaxy growth [heic1308] 25 April 2013 Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have shown for the first time that bursts of star formation have a major impact far beyond the boundaries of their host galaxy. Read more

A fresh take on the Horsehead Nebula [heic1307] 19 April 2013 To celebrate its 23rd year in orbit, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has released a stunning new image of one of the most distinctive objects in our skies: the Horsehead Nebula. Read more