How many planets could be in the Kuiper Belt?
A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters investigates the potential existence of Mars-sized free-floating planets (FFPs)—also known as rogue planets, starless planets, and wandering planets—that could have been captured by ou.....»»
Opinion: If we want to settle on other planets, we"ll have to use genome editing to alter human DNA
When considering human settlements on the moon, Mars and further afield, much attention is given to the travel times, food and radiation risk. We'll undoubtedly face a harsh environment in deep space and some thinkers have been pointing to genome edi.....»»
Effects of stellar magnetism could expand criteria for exoplanet habitability
Interest in Earth-like planets orbiting within the habitable zone of their host stars has surged, driven by the quest to discover life beyond our solar system. But the habitability of such planets, known as exoplanets, is influenced by more than just.....»»
Exoplanet-hunting telescope to begin search for another Earth in 2026
Europe's next big space mission—a telescope that will hunt for Earth-like rocky planets outside of our solar system—is on course to launch at the end of 2026......»»
Discovery alert: With six new exoplanets, 5,500 discovery milestone passed
On Aug. 24, 2023, more than three decades after the first confirmation of planets beyond our own solar system, scientists announced the discovery of six new exoplanets, stretching that number to 5,502. From zero exoplanet confirmations to more than 5.....»»
Astronomers spot a "highly eccentric" planet on its way to becoming a hot Jupiter
Hot Jupiters are some of the most extreme planets in the galaxy. These scorching worlds are as massive as Jupiter, and they swing wildly close to their star, whirling around in a few days compared to our own gas giant's leisurely 4,000-day orbit arou.....»»
Exoplanet caught in "hairpin turn" signals how high-mass gas giants form
Astronomers have discovered a planet that has the most oblong orbit ever found among transiting planets. The exoplanet's extreme circuit—which looks closer to a cucumber than a circle—follows one of the most drastically stretched-out orbits of al.....»»
Grain boundaries weaken in planetary interiors, research suggests
Mantle convection and associated plate tectonics of planets like the Earth are governed by the deformation of mantle rocks. This deformation occurs through the motion of defects in the crystal lattices of minerals. Thus, the physical properties of th.....»»
Here"s how AI Is changing NASA"s Mars rover science
Some scientists dream of exploring planets with "smart" spacecraft that know exactly what data to look for, where to find it, and how to analyze it. Although making that dream a reality will take time, advances made with NASA's Perseverance Mars rove.....»»
Not just space rocks: Six things we"ve learned about Earth from meteorites and comets
Apart from the sun, its planets and their moons, our solar system has vast amounts of space rocks—fragments left over from the formation of the inner planets......»»
Meteorites from Mars help scientists understand the red planet"s interior
Of the more than 74,000 known meteorites—rocks that fall to Earth from asteroids or planets colliding together—only 385 or so stones came from the planet Mars......»»
Stellantis recalls 332,000 vehicles over airbag activation concerns
Stellantis is recalling 332,000 vehicles in the U.S. for an issue with the seat belt connector that could prevent airbag deployment in the event of a crash......»»
Age data show planetesimals provided building materials for water-rich planets in the early solar system
Age data for certain classes of meteorite have made it possible to gain new findings on the origin of small water-rich astronomical bodies in the early solar system. These so-called planetesimals continually supplied building materials for planets—.....»»
NASA’s skywatching tips for July include a parade of planets
July is a wonderful month for spotting plenty of planets, according to NASA's monthly rundown on what to look our for......»»
Tesla recalls more than 125,000 vehicles for seat belt notification failure
Tesla Inc. is recalling over 125,227 vehicles due to reported failures in seat belt warning systems......»»
Starless and forever alone: More "rogue" planets discovered
The Euclid space telescope has discovered seven more rogue planets, shining a light on the dark and lonely worlds floating freely through the universe untethered to any star......»»
Scientists report unified framework for diverse aurorae across planets
The awe-inspiring aurorae seen on Earth, known as the Northern and Southern Lights, have been a source of fascination for centuries. Between May 10 and 12, 2024, the most powerful aurora event in 21 years reminded us of the stunning beauty of these c.....»»
Exoplanet catalog details over 100 worlds beyond our solar system
A new catalog of exoplanets from two telescopes shows the incredible variety of planets that exist beyond our solar system......»»
Astronomers discover rare ‘exo-Venus’ just 40 light-years away
Astronomers have discovered a rare type of planets called an exo-Venus with a similar temperature to Earth, located in our cosmic back yard......»»
International planet hunters unveil massive catalog of strange worlds
While thousands of planets have been discovered around other stars, relatively little is known about them. A NASA catalog featuring 126 exotic, newly discovered worlds includes detailed measurements that allow for comparisons with our own solar syste.....»»
NASA"s compact infrared cameras enable new science
A new, higher-resolution infrared camera outfitted with a variety of lightweight filters could probe sunlight reflected off Earth's upper atmosphere and surface, improve forest fire warnings, and reveal the molecular composition of other planets......»»