Vote Now! Best Space Stories of the Week - March 24, 2013

Universe Maps, Manhattan Meteor and More

In the last week, we've seen a new map revealed the universe is perhaps 100 million years older than thought, a bright meteor lit up the night sky over much of the northeast U.S. coast and astronomers geared up for possible 'Comet of the Century'. See the top stories of the last week here.

FIRST STOP: Universe Older Than Thought, Best Space-Time Map Yet Reveals

Universe Older Than Thought, Best Space-Time Map Yet Reveals

The universe is 100 million years older than thought, according to the best-ever map of the oldest light in space. [Full Story]

NEXT: Meteor Over Manhattan

Meteor Over Manhattan

A bright meteor lit up the night sky over much of the northeast U.S. coast late Friday (March 22), sparking more than 500 fireball reports. See how many states saw the meteor. [Full Story]

NEXT: Astronomers Set for 'Comet of the Century'

Astronomers Gearing Up for Possible 'Comet of the Century'

Scientists are coordinating their efforts to observe the Comet ISON, which could be the brightest comet in 50 years at its peak this November. [Full Story]

NEXT: Growing Up with Hawaii's Keck Observatory

Growing Up in the Shadow of Hawaii's Keck Observatory

As Keck this week celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first science observations on March 16, 1993, I've been reminiscing on what this behemoth of astronomy means to me. [Full Story]

NEXT: Oceans May Be Common on Rocky Alien Planets

Oceans May Be Common on Rocky Alien Planets

There are a few key features needed in a nascent star system for Earth-like planets to develop, scientists say. [Full Story]

NEXT: US Makes 1st Plutonium in 25 Years, for Spacecraft

US Makes First Plutonium in 25 Years, for Spacecraft

The United States has begun producing plutonium-238 again for the first time in a quarter century, marking a key step toward averting a feared shortage of this important spacecraft fuel, NASA officials say. [Full Story]

NEXT: Graves of Twin Moon Probes Spotted by NASA Spacecraft

Graves of Twin Moon Probes Spotted by NASA Spacecraft

An eagle-eyed NASA spacecraft has spotted the tiny craters two moon probes created when they crashed intentionally into the lunar surface last year. [Full Story]

NEXT: Meteor or Missile Attack: How Will We Know?

Meteor or Missile Attack: How Will Military Leaders Know?

Military officials and Congress debate whether the U.S can really detecting an incoming meteor, and telling the difference between a space rock and asteroid. [Full Story]

NEXT: Apollo Moon Rocket Engines Raised from Seafloor by Amazon CEO

Apollo Moon Rocket Engines Raised from Seafloor by Amazon CEO

Long thought to be lost forever on the ocean floor, massive engines that launched astronauts to the moon more than 40 years ago have been recovered by a private expedition led by the founder of Amazon.com. [Full Story]

NEXT: NASA Probes Security Lapses After Arrest of Ex-Contractor

NASA Probes Security Lapses After Arrest of Ex-Contractor

NASA administrator Charles Bolden spoke before the House Committee on Appropriations about new security measures and reviews that are a response to the arrest of former NASA contractor Bo Jiang, a Chinese national. [Full Story]

NEXT: Why Voyager 1's Solar System Exit Is So Hard to Predict