Space and astronomy news today features breakthrough discoveries in ancient marine life, volcanic phenomena, and space exploration challenges, alongside significant developments in dark sky research and potential planetary contamination concerns.

Giant 'kraken-like' octopuses from 100 million years ago, potentially reaching up to 19 metres long, crushed prey bones with powerful beaks according to fossilized evidence, revealing sophisticated predatory behavior in ancient marine ecosystems.

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in understanding volcanic lightning, discovering that a fine carbon coating on silica particles in volcanic updrafts causes electrical charges responsible for the spectacular displays.

A hardy fungus species capable of surviving extreme radiation, heat, and simulated Martian soil has been identified by NASA researchers, raising new concerns about potential contamination protocols for Mars exploration missions.

The mysterious 'Golden Blob' retrieved from the deep ocean near Alaska in 2023 has been identified as part of an anemone species, solving a long-standing scientific mystery from the ocean floor.

Sightings of meteors and fireballs have surged in recent months, but NASA and meteor experts remain unable to agree on the cause of this increased frequency in Earth's skies.

In West Texas's Big Bend region, the world's largest dark-sky reserve is enabling a portal to study the early universe and dark energy, representing a unique astronomical research opportunity.

Artemis II has broken Fred Haise's distance record for human spaceflight, marking a significant milestone in NASA's lunar exploration program as the mission surpasses previous achievements.

Evidence suggests Neanderthals were capable of hunting elephants through careful planning and teamwork, according to a new study examining a pachyderm skeleton previously dismissed as unimportant for decades.

The pace of N.I.H. funding has slowed further, with the agency approving far fewer new grants than in previous years due to screening efforts and loss of personnel during the Trump administration.

Trump has removed members from the National Science Board that guides the National Science Foundation, raising concerns about the independence of the scientific advisory body.