Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Galaxy
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
New images of Milky Way, other galaxies
Incredibly brilliant images have been released this week of the Milky Way and other distant galaxies from the world's largest telescope at the Rubin Observatory in Chile. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer and planetarium director at the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss.
World's largest telescope unveils first images of galaxies in stunning detail
The debut images from a powerful telescope at Chile's Vera Rubin Observatory show distant galaxies and star-forming regions in spectacular detail.
Massive black hole discovered in Milky Way
Astronomers in China made a surprising discovery: a massive black hole in our galaxy. Called LB-1, this one is about 70 times the mass of the sun. It's the first time a black hole of this size has been detected in the Milky Way.
Astronomers' hunt for elusive "Planet Nine" takes surprising twist
U.S. astronomers hunting for "Planet Nine" have instead stumbled on what appears to be a new dwarf planet in the solar system's outer reaches.
NASA releases stunning space photos to mark Hubble anniversary
The Hubble Space Telescope "opened a new window to the universe" when it launched into space. Now, 35 years later, NASA is releasing some stunning images to celebrate.
Hubble Telescope captures cosmic collision
The Hubble Telescope took a snapshot of what astronomers are calling the Bullseye Galaxy. The distant galaxy contains nine rings of stars that were formed when a blue dwarf galaxy crashed through the center of the galaxy.
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
NASA releases never-seen-before images of Peacock galaxy
The Chandra X-ray observatory was launched on July 23, 1999.
Stunning image shows star forming 5,900 light-years from Earth
The Hubble Space Telescope captured a bold photo of the likely star forming about 5,900 light-years from Earth.
See NASA's newly-captured "treasure trove" of 19 spiral galaxies
The new images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope are "mind-blowing even for researchers who have studied these same galaxies for decades," one scientist said.
Astronomers capture "bizarre" star explosion warped by gravity
The "very rare" star explosion was so warped that it looked like multiple images in the sky.
NASA image shows 2 spiral galaxies merging 250 million light-years away
NASA said the collision of the two spiral galaxies began about 700 million years ago.
See the sharpest-image ever of a supermassive black hole
The supermassive black hole 54 million light-years away is now clearer than ever.
New survey of the Milky Way unveils 3.3 billion celestial objects
Stunning images released by the National Science Foundation show the most expansive slice of the galaxy to date produced by a single camera.
NASA pays tribute to Pelé with cosmic photo
NASA shared a photo of a mesmerizing galaxy 7 million miles away lit up in the bright colors of Brazil, Pelé's home nation.
NASA gets "unusually close" look at a black hole devouring a star
The tidal disruption event provided astronomers with an "unprecedented view" of how a corona is formed and evolves.
New map allows you to explore the cosmos to the edge of the universe
The first-of-its-kind vibrant map allows you to scroll through 200,000 galaxies dating back 12.5 billion years.
NASA moon mission set for Wednesday morning launch
NASA will try again to launch its new moon rocket. After several delays, the Artemis 1 mission is scheduled to blast off early Wednesday.
Scientists find galactic graveyard in the Milky Way
Finding the remains of ancient stars "was like trying to find the mythical elephant's graveyard," scientists say.
NASA's Webb telescope captures thousands of young stars in Tarantula Nebula
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed more details about how star are formed in the Tarantula Nebula.
Webb and Hubble capture spectacular image of heart of Phantom Galaxy
The veteran and the new kid on the block have teamed up to produce a stunning image of the popular spiral galaxy.
NASA set to lanch Artemis 1 on Monday
NASA's most powerful rocket yet, Artemis 1, is set to launch on its maiden journey Monday. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a launch preview.
Stunning image of colliding galaxies
In a part of space far, far away, two galaxies joined together to form one of the universe's most spectacular events – a galactic merger with streaming stars and chaos. And scientists say the stunning images are a preview of what's to come for the Milky Way.
Live
Weather woes impact July 4th celebrations as National Mall evacuated. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, although severe weather is putting a damper on the proceedings in several parts of the country.
Live
Mourners chant for revenge as dayslong funeral of Iran's slain leader begins
The flag-draped casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was put on display in Tehran with millions expected to attend his dayslong funeral.
Heat and severe storms damper July 4th celebrations, leave thousands without power
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
Watch: CBS' "The Great American Block Party 250" July 4 special
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in California hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Joey Chestnut wins Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo is women's champion
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? To mark the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
U.S.
More U.S.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Heat and severe storms damper July 4th celebrations, leave thousands without power
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
DNA technology leads to identification of Revolutionary War soldier
The remains of a Revolutionary War soldier were identified as a young man from Maryland just before America's 250th anniversary.
Serena Williams withdraws from Wimbledon doubles match with sister Venus
Serena Williams cited a knee injury behind her decision to withdraw from a doubles match at Wimbledon.
Live
Weather woes impact July 4th celebrations as National Mall evacuated. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, although severe weather is putting a damper on the proceedings in several parts of the country.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
More Politics
6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
World
More World
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Egypt uncovers lost Byzantine-era city in the western desert
The fourth-century residential city in the western desert is one of two major archaeological finds announced by Egypt on Saturday.
Prince Harry to travel solo to London amid security flap
Meghan and his children may eventually join him on the rest of the trip outside London, the source said.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Taylor and Travis say yes at MSG
The vows have been exchanged, the party is over, and slowly, details are emerging about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. Lilia Luciano reports.
Are drones the new fireworks?
While many in the U.S. light fireworks on the Fourth of July, some towns are turning to drones as a cleaner, quieter alternative. Mark Strassmann gets a preview in Texas.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday. Comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, a representative for Swift confirmed. Jo Ling Kent has more details.
7/4: CBS Saturday Morning
Americans are celebrating the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday amid a sweltering heat wave. Plus, Taylor Swift's wedding, a Revolutionary War soldier is finally recognized, and former Liberty Island residents speak out.
Empire State Building lights up for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
The Empire State Building lit up in blue for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Friday night.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
More Science
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Crime
More Crime
Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in Napa County hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California.
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Space
More Space
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Relay for America runs flag across U.S.
Relay for America ran the American flag from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., this week to commemorate America's 250th birthday. They did it nonstop for 20 days and nights for more than 3,000 miles on a mission of unity heading to the Fourth of July. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Taylor and Travis say yes at MSG
The vows have been exchanged, the party is over, and slowly, details are emerging about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. Lilia Luciano reports.
Are drones the new fireworks?
While many in the U.S. light fireworks on the Fourth of July, some towns are turning to drones as a cleaner, quieter alternative. Mark Strassmann gets a preview in Texas.
Trump casts political opponents as communists
On Saturday, President Trump is slated to speak on the National Mall, but on Friday, he gave a speech at Mount Rushmore that jumped from praise for America to a warning about what he called a threat to its future. Nikole Killion reports.
Travel troubles this 4th of July
It's hot and pricey out there in much of the U.S. this July Fourth weekend, but it's not stopping people from traveling. 72 million are expected to be on the move, a new record, with some potential new headaches. Kris Van Cleave has the details.