Ruth Abernathy

Ruth Abernathy is the lead writer for Space & Science, covering astronomy, planetary science and the big stories behind each issue. She joined in 2026 after 22 years at a city planetarium in Phoenix, where she wrote and narrated dome shows and was director from 2016. Her shows have been licensed to planetariums in 14 states. She holds a BS in physics from Northern Arizona University and an MS in science education from Arizona State University. She lives in Flagstaff, where she keeps a small roll-off-roof observatory in her backyard.

Astronomy
Cornelis van Zuilen's 110-object Messier mosaic
A Dutch astrophotographer spent 352 hours and 13 minutes photographing all 110 objects in the Messier catalog, many of them from his balcony in the Netherlands.
Ruth Abernathy Oct 12
Explainers
Nearby Glasses and ZuckOff: Apps that detect smart glasses
Smart glasses are convenient but raise privacy concerns. Two apps scan Bluetooth signals to warn you when someone is wearing them nearby.
Ruth Abernathy Oct 11
Earth
Loneliness may steal nearly 6 years of good health
A new study of more than 277,000 adults links loneliness and social isolation to a loss of healthy years, especially from mental disorders.
Ruth Abernathy Oct 11
Explainers
Crown Mountain hiker rescued after AI route led to cliff
A 16-year-old trusted an AI-planned route. Rescuers needed three hours to reach him near the Widowmaker.
Ruth Abernathy Oct 10
Physics
OpenAI's AI math dump: 372 results, some 'slop', scientists say
Mathematicians are parsing through a flood of AI-written papers on open problems, finding brilliance and nonsense, Scientific American reports.
Ruth Abernathy Oct 9
Space
Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' lands on Peacock Oct. 9
The UFO conspiracy thriller starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor streams this week.
Ruth Abernathy Oct 9

Cornelis van Zuilen's 110-object Messier mosaic

Nearby Glasses and ZuckOff: Apps that detect smart glasses

Loneliness may steal nearly 6 years of good health

Crown Mountain hiker rescued after AI route led to cliff

OpenAI's AI math dump: 372 results, some 'slop', scientists say

Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' lands on Peacock Oct. 9