Scientists believe they have captured the elusive “God particle” that gives matter mass and holds the physical fabric of the universe together.

Around one billion stars in the Milky Way can be seen together for the first time in an image captured over a decade by astronomers.

Galileo’s invention of the astronomical telescope four centuries ago will be celebrated by stargazers all over the world next year.

Plans for a £600m (€771m) European fusion plant that will re-create the power source of the Sun took a step forward today.