Astronomers have discovered a giant planet, TOI-6894b, orbiting the smallest known star to host such a companion. The planet's existence contradicts current planet formation models, which suggest that small stars cannot form or retain massive planets.
A team of HKU astrophysicists has confirmed the existence of a retrograde planet in the nu Octantis binary star system, revealing the crucial role of binary star evolution in its origin. The discovery provides new insights into planetary formation and stellar evolution, particularly in tight binary systems with evolved stellar components.
Researchers detected atmospheric methane and silicon monoxide on WASP-121b, suggesting it accumulated most of its gas in a cold region before becoming an ultra-hot giant planet. The team proposes that strong vertical winds on the nightside replenish methane gas to maintain its high abundance.
Researchers analyzing the atmosphere of WASP-121b using the James Webb Space Telescope detected water, carbon monoxide and silicon monoxide in both the dayside and nightside hemispheres. This is the first conclusive identification of SiO in any planetary atmosphere.
Researchers studied corona features on Venus' surface, finding signs of tectonic activity and buoyant mantle material beneath them. This discovery suggests ongoing processes driving coronae formation, potentially similar to Earth's past.
A new study suggests that adding particles to the atmosphere at a lower altitude near the polar regions can effectively cool the planet. Commercial jets like Boeing 777F could reach this altitude.
Dr. Uria Alcolombri was named one of the 19 Frontiers Planet Prize 2025 National Champions for his pioneering study on microbial dietary preference and its impact on carbon sequestration in the ocean. His research highlights the critical role of marine bacteria in regulating the Earth's carbon cycle.
Scientists have discovered a planet with a comet-like tail, shedding surface minerals and evaporating away due to its close proximity to its star. The planet is estimated to disintegrate in about 1 million to 2 million years, leaving behind a long and dusty tail.
The Curiosity rover has identified high concentrations of carbonate minerals, indicating a carbon cycle operated on ancient Mars. The findings suggest that large amounts of carbon dioxide were locked into the planet's crust, providing insights into the planet's past climate.
Astronomers have found the first strong evidence for a 'polar planet' orbiting a stellar pair, with the unprecedented exoplanet named 2M1510 (AB) b. The planet orbits at an angle of 90 degrees around two young brown dwarfs.
A team of researchers has found a planet orbiting at a 90-degree angle around a pair of young brown dwarfs, marking the first time such strong evidence for a 'polar planet' orbit is collected. The discovery was made possible by pioneering data analysis that improved precision by a factor of 30.
Researchers have modeled the chemistry of TOI-270 d, an exoplanet between Earth and Neptune, finding evidence for a thick, hot atmosphere. The study suggests that the planet is unlikely to be habitable, but offers insights into alternative paths of planetary origins and evolution.
Researchers found that AGN radiation can have a paradoxically nurturing effect on life, especially when oxygen levels are present, allowing the planet's protective ozone layer to grow and shield it from radiation. This process can help ensure life's success, but its effects depend on how close the planet is to the source of radiation.
Researchers from UNSW Sydney have discovered a potential new exoplanet using the transit timing variation method. The new planet is estimated to be 10-16 times the size of Earth and orbits its star in under 16 days.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that the water-rich iron mineral ferrihydrite is responsible for Mars' iconic red color. The research, led by Brown University researchers, analyzed data from Martian orbiters and rovers, as well as laboratory simulations, to reach this conclusion.
New analysis of spacecraft observations and laboratory techniques reveals that Mars's red colour is better matched by ferrihydrite, an iron oxide containing water. This discovery transforms our understanding of why Mars is red and suggests that the planet rusted earlier than previously thought.
A team of researchers used JWST to study the exotic atmosphere of LTT 9779 b, revealing reflective clouds on its cooler western hemisphere. The planet's asymmetrical dayside reflectivity is driven by powerful winds that transport heat and cloud formation.
Researchers discovered reflective clouds on the western hemisphere of LTT 9779 b, a rare 'ultra-hot Neptune,' creating a striking contrast to its hotter eastern side. The team's findings reveal a delicate balance between intense heat from the star and the planet's ability to redistribute energy.
Astronomers have mapped the 3D structure of an exoplanet's atmosphere for the first time, revealing a unique climate with powerful winds carrying chemical elements like iron and titanium. The discovery opens the door for detailed studies of alien worlds' weather patterns.
Two new celestial objects have been confirmed using Gaia data, including a Super-Jupiter exoplanet and a brown dwarf. The discovery challenges current theories of planet formation and provides valuable data for understanding these intriguing objects. Gaia's ongoing mission will uncover hundreds of planets and brown dwarfs around nearby...
Astronomers have detected powerful jetstream winds on the equator of WASP-127b, a giant gas planet located 500 light-years from Earth. The winds reach nearly six times the speed at which the planet rotates, making them the fastest wind ever measured in a jetstream.
Researchers have discovered a mismatched composition of gases in the planet's atmosphere compared to gases within the disk. The study found that the ratio of carbon and oxygen gases in the planet is much lower than expected, suggesting that current models of planet formation may be too simplified.
Researchers analyzed TRAPPIST-1 b's mid-infrared data to determine if it has an atmosphere. The study used a global analysis of all available JWST data and compared the observations with surface and atmospheric models.
A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope has reevaluated the atmospheric composition of Trappist-1 b, finding conditions that could support a thick CO2-rich atmosphere. Researchers propose that haze from hydrocarbon compounds in the upper atmosphere may explain this scenario.
Researchers used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to study stars in a nearby galaxy with limited heavy elements. They found that some star-forming disks persist longer than predicted, allowing planets to form and grow bigger.
A recent study using radio astronomy observations has revealed that planets help form the next by concentrating dust grains into a narrow region at their orbits. This sequential formation process can explain how our Solar System formed, with each planet triggering the next like a line of falling dominos.
Astronomers have discovered a fourth planet in the unusual Kepler-51 system, which consists of three ultra-low density 'super-puff' planets. The new planet, Kepler-51e, has a mass similar to the other three and follows a circular orbit of approximately 264 days.
Researchers have discovered unusual, Earth-size magnetically driven vortices generating dense, hydrocarbon haze at Jupiter's poles. The dark ovals hint at strong interactions between the planet's magnetic field and atmosphere.
The discovery of planet IRAS 04125+2902 b challenges current understanding of planet formation, with a 3-million-year-old age that's roughly equivalent to a two-week-old baby. The research provides new insights into early planetary system formation and sets a new benchmark for young planets.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has uncovered strong evidence for a global 'Snowball Earth' event, where massive glaciers covered the entire planet down to the equator hundreds of millions of years ago. The findings provide critical insights into the planet's geologic history and the emergence of life on Earth.
The discovery of K2-360 b, an ultra-short period planet with a density similar to lead, reveals clues about its formation. An outer companion, K2-360 c, may have played a crucial role in the system's development through high-eccentricity migration.
A team of astronomers discovered a planetary system that resembles the sun-Earth system, with an Earth-size companion in an orbit twice as large as Earth's today. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of main sequence stars and their impact on planets.
Researchers propose that Mars' early thick atmosphere could have been locked up in the planet's clay surface due to slow chain reactions between rocks and gases. The clay is estimated to hold up to 80% of the initial, early atmosphere, potentially recovered and converted into propellant for future missions.
The report highlights the need for urgent action to reduce pressure on the planet and ensure a basic standard of living for everyone. It recommends a coordinated effort between policymakers, businesses, and civil society to address inequality and transform the economy.
Astronomers discovered that super-Earths cannot form near low-metallicity stars due to a strict cut-off in conditions. The study provides an upper limit on the number and distribution of small planets in the galaxy.
A research team at Lund University has discovered a small exoplanet, TOI-1408c, with an unusual orbital motion that deviates from predicted behavior. The planet's interactions with its star and other planets offer insights into the complexity of planetary system formation.
Scientists have successfully measured a planet-wide electric field thought to be fundamental to Earth's atmosphere. The ambipolar electric field, driving atmospheric escape and shaping the ionosphere, has been quantified and revealed its role in our planet's evolution.
The samples, obtained from river deposits in a dried-up lake on Mars, are crucial for understanding the Red Planet's water history. The fine-grained sediments in the rocks are believed to retain signs of past biological activity, including organic molecules, making them significant for searching for life on Mars.
A team of scientists has found evidence for a large underground reservoir of liquid water on Mars, which could be a promising place to look for life on the planet. The reservoir is estimated to cover most of the Martian surface and is located in tiny cracks and pores in rock beneath the surface.
A team of researchers developed a new model that incorporates all necessary physical processes in planet formation, showing that annular perturbations can trigger the rapid formation of multiple gas giants. The results match latest observations and indicate more efficient and quick planet formation than previously thought.
Astronomers have directly imaged the coldest exoplanet, Epsilon Indi Ab, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The planet is around 2 degrees Celsius colder than previously imaged planets, providing a rare opportunity to study its atmospheric composition.
Astronomers have imaged the coldest exoplanet ever detected using JWST, which agrees with models of planet evolution and solar system ages. The exoplanet orbits a super-Jupiter in the Epsilon Indi triple star system and has a mass six times that of Jupiter.
A team of astronomers has successfully detected evidence of water vapor in the atmosphere of a scorching hot Saturn, HD 149026 b. This finding is significant because it challenges the conventional wisdom that such extreme environments should not support liquid water.
Researchers discovered a highly eccentric exoplanet named TIC 241249530 with an orbital eccentricity of 0.94, causing extreme temperature variations. The planet's unusual backward-orbiting motion provides insight into the formation history and future trajectories of hot Jupiters.
Astronomers at MIT and Penn State have discovered a new 'progenitor' of hot Jupiters, a highly eccentric planet with an orbit providing clues to its evolution. The planet, TIC 241249530 b, is expected to become a scorching hot Jupiter in about 1 billion years.
Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have confirmed a significant temperature difference between the morning and evening atmosphere of WASP-39b, with the evening appearing hotter by roughly 300°F (200°C). The planet is tidally locked, resulting in constant dayside and nightside conditions.
Researchers detected distinct 'morning' and 'evening' sides on the exoplanet WASP-39b using James Webb Space Telescope data. The study found that the morning side was significantly cooler (600°C) compared to the evening side (800°C), with cloudier conditions also prevalent in the morning.
A new definition of a planet is proposed to replace the outdated IAU definition, which requires orbiting our sun. The new definition includes being unrestrained by the bounds of our solar system and provides quantitative criteria for defining planets.
A new study finds similarities between Martian soils and those of Canada's Newfoundland, suggesting Mars may have had a frigid climate. The discovery provides clues about the planet's environmental history, particularly during its relatively abundant water period.
A new study identifies artificial greenhouse gases that would be giveaways of a terraformed planet. The gases are incredibly effective and long-lived, making them potentially detectable with current or planned technology. This could include the James Webb Space Telescope or a future European-led space telescope.
Researchers used high-energy laser experiments to study magnesium oxide's melting point and phase transitions under ultra-high pressures. The findings suggest the mineral could be the earliest solid to crystallize in forming super-Earths.
Astronomers have discovered a sulfurous atmosphere on the smallest and coldest exoplanet known, providing clues to its formation process. The planet's unique orbit and composition offer insights into how planets are created.
The newly discovered exoplanet, nicknamed Phoenix, has a surprisingly large and dense atmosphere, challenging current understanding of planetary evolution in extreme environments. Scientists estimate that the planet will survive for only 100 million years before dying due to its proximity to the star.
Researchers have found evidence of fresh water on Earth dating back to four billion years ago, shedding light on the planet's early history and the emergence of life. This discovery suggests landmasses and freshwater played a crucial role in supporting life within a relatively short time frame after the planet formed.
Scientists analyzed Martian meteorites to understand the planet's mantle and crust structure. The study found that these rocks are related through a process known as fractional crystallization within a volcano, revealing details about Mars' internal structure and volcanism.
Astronomers have discovered a planet called Gliese 12 b, which is an 'evil twin' of Earth with conditions similar to Venus. The planet orbits its star in just 12.8 days and receives 1.6 times more radiation than Earth.
The James Webb Space Telescope has provided the first measurements of an exoplanet's core mass, with WASP-107 b showing a thousand times less methane than expected. The planet's super-sized core and turbulent atmosphere are being studied to better understand how planetary atmospheres behave in extreme conditions.
The newly discovered SPECULOOS-3b is an Earth-sized, likely airless planet orbiting a nearby ultracool dwarf star. The planet's extremely close proximity to its star has likely vaporized any atmosphere, allowing scientists to study its surface composition and history in unprecedented detail.
A new study has revealed the mechanisms behind hydrodynamic escape in low-mass exoplanets, which is a process that can lead to significant changes in a planet's mass and climate. The research proposes a new classification method for understanding these escape processes and provides insights into the habitability of distant worlds.
The newly discovered WASP-193b is the second least dense planet found to date, with a density comparable to that of cotton candy. Its low density cannot be explained by standard models of irradiated gas giants.