Cosmic Backyard

Cosmic Backyard is an Inverse series that explores cutting-edge research looking into the depths of the cosmos. This work is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe, and our place in it.

Webb Space Telescope image
NASA
cosmic backyard

Future Telescopes With Liquid Mirrors Could Peer at Alien Worlds in Detail

By Charles Q. Choi

A project called FLUTE is looking into self-healing space telescopes.

Cosmic Backyard

This Mysterious Interstellar Object Could Contain The Universe's Darkest Secrets

By Charles Q. Choi

Fragments of extinct solar systems and planets could be visiting us regularly — these scientists think they know how to find them.

Go deeper 🚀

Hi Bob

How 'For All Mankind's' 1965 Flashback Connects To Real Spaceflight History

By Ryan Britt

Before Apollo, there was Gemini.

Countdown

How To Watch The Historic Artemis II Moon Launch Today

By Ryan Britt

Humanity is returning to the Moon. Here's how to watch history in the making.

Countdown

Artemis 2028 Moon Landing Is On Track — But There's A Catch

By Ryan Britt

NASA wants Artemis back to Saturn V levels of progress.

Moon Watch

Artemis 2 Rollback Means Moonshot Won't Happen In March 2026

By Ryan Britt

Here's why the historic Moon mission has been delayed. Again.

Countdown

Artemis II Is Set To Launch This Week

By Ryan Britt

Here’s your quick guide to all things Artemis II.

Retrospective

'Apollo 13' Remains The Last Great Space Race Blockbuster

By Mark Hill

From the Earth to the Academy Awards.

Reel Science

One Beloved ‘Star Trek’ Writer Is Making His Most Brilliant Sci-Fi Concept a Reality

By Ryan Britt

From "The Inner Light" to the Red Planet.

The Inverse Interview

Rendezvous With Gentry Lee

By Hoai-Tran Bui

Inverse sat down with space engineer and sci-fi author Gentry Lee about his new documentary Starman, and his thoughts on Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Rendezvous With Rama adaptation.

Reel Science

The Dumbest Star Wars Trope Is Also Somehow The Most Scientifically Accurate

By Ryan Britt

Missing planets? That literally happens all the time.

Science

Why Astronauts on NASA’s Artemis Mission to the Moon Need Better Boots

By Jesse Rhoades, Rebecca Rhoades and The Conversation

Longer walks need better footwear.