A fiery end to a NASA mission that captured some of the universe's brightest events

NPR | By Geoff Brumfiel

Published November 4, 2026 at 5:29 PM EST

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

NASA's Swift observatory is set to re-enter the atmosphere on Wednesday after two decades of gathering data.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Geoff Brumfiel

Geoff Brumfiel works as a senior editor and correspondent on NPR's science desk.

See stories by Geoff Brumfiel

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.