Background

The Unique Spark: Why Fire Needs Earth

Did you know that fire, as we think of it, can only exist on Earth? The atmospheric candlelight on your table, the bonfire you sat around with friends the other night - it is all only possible in the conditions we find here on Earth.

Saphira Brandenberger • November 28, 2024

Interview

Shoot for the Moon

Becoming an astronaut: who hasn't ever dreamed of it? For André Kuipers, this dream became a reality. He had the opportunity to go to space twice, for a total of 203 days. We spoke to him for a glimpse into the life of an astronaut.

Elanor Feddema and Serafine Beugelink • November 15, 2023

Background

Four physics facts to change how you view the world

Physics is incredibly cool, but it’s also hard. Exposing the universe’s secrets takes a good dose of dedication, endurance and mathematics. Good news: I studied physics so you don’t have to. Here are four physics facts to change how you view the world. Without maths.

Serafine Beugelink • November 04, 2022

Event

Lights out, stars on!

You too, have probably looked at the night sky and maybe searched for some constellations, spotted a planet or just enjoyed the twinkling stars. And you may have noticed that you are able to see more stars in darker areas. This is why Leiden will be in the dark on the 25th of September.

Elanor Feddema and Louke Nieman • September 22, 2022

Interview

Exoplanets, here we come!(?)

Going to Mars seems to be within our reach, but what about visiting exoplanets: planets outside our Solar System? In this article I discuss with former ESA exoplanet expert and Leiden guest professor Malcolm Fridlund about the day humans call another planet home and how to get there.

Soraya Schachtschabel • March 03, 2022

Interview

Do we come from Mars?

The search for the origin of life by Kosuke Fujishima makes you think about extraordinary business like our own possible beginning on Mars, inter-galactic wars and the cradle of Earth.

Yakun Yang • February 24, 2022

News

James Webb: Looking back at the Big Bang

On December 24, the James Webb Space Telescope will be launched. This space telescope should look further into space than any of its predecessors, far enough to look all the way back to the Big Bang.

Elanor Feddema • December 16, 2021

Series

Art and astronomy part I: The cosmos on canvas

Then I go out and paint the stars - Vincent van Gogh

Nashanty Brunken • September 23, 2021

Research

Moonshot Tardigrades: Galactic Hitchhikers?

Tardigrades can survive anything, right? Brand new research takes another look at this question.

Michiel de Groot • June 17, 2021

Astronomy

Articles

The Unique Spark: Why Fire Needs Earth

Shoot for the Moon

Four physics facts to change how you view the world

Lights out, stars on!

Exoplanets, here we come!(?)

Do we come from Mars?

James Webb: Looking back at the Big Bang

Art and astronomy part I: The cosmos on canvas

Moonshot Tardigrades: Galactic Hitchhikers?