Life, the universe, and everything

The disciplines of astronomy and statistics are coming together to answer some of the biggest questions in modern science. By Joseph M. Hilbe Impacts from space rocks have set off mass extinctions at least twice in Earth's history. Should we be worried that another strike is imminent? Joseph M. Hilbe and Jamie Riggs assess the risks An overview of meteorite strikes observed through the ages, designed by Carlo Zapponi If you want to know why the universe is the way it is, you have to understand its initial state. Benjamin Wandelt takes us back billions of years to show how statistics is helping cosmologists understand the origins of everything – including life itself Astronomy data sets are astronomically big – that is why statistical approaches are needed to analyse, organise and unravel the mysteries of the universe. By Rafael de Souza and Emille Ishida There's more to the universe than meets the eye – over 80% is made up of stuff we cannot see. Jessi Cisewski explores the nature of dark matter, and how statistics is helping locate it 30 billion? 225 billion? 400 billion? Vladimir Surdin finds no exact answer, but plenty of estimates There isn't a set of scales big enough to measure the most massive objects in the universe. Madhura Killedar considers alternative methods, and the associated statistical challenges Our universe is fine‐tuned for life to such a degree that it would seem improbable were it the only universe in existence – which means there is a good chance that we live in a multiverse. Roberto Trotta explains the idea, and the discoveries that gave rise to it It began with a bang, but current models suggest the universe will go out with a whimper. Chris Impey explores the long, dark fate that awaits