We know of at least 4,000 planets outside our solar system, writes the astronomer Samantha Lawler, but we will not be visiting any of them soon—nor do we know if any are inhabitable. Exploring space teaches us the fragility of Earth.

Even if the Supreme Court were willing, judicial oversight would not be a panacea for gerrymandering.

In an online survey, America asked members of its “U.S. Politics Catholic Discussion Group” on Facebook and other readers for their thoughts on the debates.

Although slavery as an institution no longer exists, forms of forced labor persist in the country.

As the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit considers the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, the Catholic Health Association voiced its support for the act, declaring access to health care a basic human right.

The tumult in Catalonia continues. Many Catalans wonder what the future holds for their community. Among them is a rabble-rousing Benedictine nun, Sister Teresa Forcades, one of the most recognizable voices within Catalonia’s independence movement.