Articles tagged with Exoplanets
New research from the University of Georgia reveals that artificial intelligence can be used to find planets outside our solar system. Machine learning can analyze environments where planets are still forming, helping scientists overcome difficulties such as distance and data thickness.
A team from UNIGE has observed a sample of planets at the edge of the Hot Neptune Desert to understand its creation. They found that most of these planets have an orbit misaligned with the stellar equator, indicating disruptive migration processes.
A new theory proposes that rocky planets form in a narrow band of the protoplanetary disk, where silicate vapors condense to form solid pebbles. This process creates a ring of material that constitutes the building blocks for planet formation, resulting in uniform systems of rocky super-Earths.
Scientists have identified a new Earth-size world, TOI 700 e, orbiting within the habitable zone of its star, making it an exciting prospect for further study. The planet is likely rocky and might be tidally locked, offering insights into our solar system's history.
Researchers have observed an exoplanet whose orbit is decaying around an aging star, providing the first look at a solar system this late in its life cycle. The doomed world, Kepler-1658b, has less than 3 million years left before colliding with its expanding star.
Researchers have spotted an exoplanet spiraling towards its star due to tidal interactions, shedding light on the late stages of planetary orbital decay. The discovery provides new insights into how evolved stars affect their planets' orbits, and may help explain why one exoplanet appears brighter than expected.
Researchers have identified two exoplanets, Kepler-138c and d, as 'water worlds,' with a significant fraction of their volume likely composed of water. The planets are about one and a half times the size of Earth and have much lower densities than our planet.
Researchers discovered that 55 Cnc e orbits its star along the equator, unlike other planets in the system. This unique orbit likely formed when the planet fell toward its star over time, resulting in a scorching surface and interior with possible diamond formation.
A new model accounts for the interplay of forces acting on newborn planets, explaining two puzzling observations: the radius valley and peas in a pod. The research suggests that giant impacts, like the one that formed our moon, are probably a generic outcome of planet formation.
A new system classifies atmospheres of distant planets to identify those suitable for future human habitation, without physically visiting them. The research study found that planet TRAPPIST-1e has a significantly more sensitive atmosphere than Earth, which could lead to extreme climate changes.
Astronomers have discovered barium in the upper layers of ultra-hot Jupiters WASP-76 b and WASP-121 b, raising questions about these planets' atmospheres. The detection challenges scientists' understanding of heavy elements' behavior in exoplanet environments.
Researchers find that airborne chemical methyl bromide is a compelling indicator of biological activity on other planets. Its detectability increases around M dwarf stars, making it an attractive target for future missions to search for extraterrestrial life.
Simulations suggest a 'day at the beach' for life on Earth-like exoplanets around red dwarfs, increasing chances of finding multiple analogs in coming decades. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of water content in terrestrial exoplanets, which is crucial for a temperate climate.
A Cornell research team synthesized 16 types of rock surfaces that may form on exoplanets, providing a tool to decipher their composition. The study's findings offer clues to early planetary evolution and the chemical makeup of distant planets.
The ExoClock project, supported by European Space Agency's Ariel mission, has presented 450 candidate exoplanet target orbits and received contributions from 217 professional and amateur astronomers. Small telescopes can successfully observe most targets, highlighting the value of amateur community involvement in space research.
The SETI Institute and Unistellar are launching a new exoplanet detection program that engages citizen scientists worldwide. Citizen astronomers will help confirm exoplanet candidates identified by NASA's TESS using Unistellar's eVscope or other telescopes.
A new study suggests that Earth's habitability could increase if Jupiter's orbit becomes more eccentric, leading to parts of the surface warming up and becoming habitable for multiple life forms. The researchers also found that this change in Jupiter's orbit could have implications for the search for habitable planets around other stars.
A new study reveals that many exoplanets around M-dwarf stars may be composed of half water and half rock, rather than having surface oceans. The discovery suggests that these planets are likely to have water embedded in the rock or in pockets below the surface.
Astronomers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two super-Earth planets, LP 890-9b and LP 890-9c, orbiting the cool star LP 890-9. The second planet, SPECULOOS-2c, is about 40% larger than Earth and has a longer orbital period, placing it in the habitable zone around its star.
The discovery of LP 890-9b and LP 890-9c, two 'super-Earth' type planets orbiting the small star LP 890-9, was made using ground-based telescopes. The planets have sizes similar to that of Earth and orbits that place them in the habitable zone around their star.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have proposed a novel origin for Jupiter-like planets around massive stars. Massive stars can capture or steal planets from other stars in densely populated stellar nurseries, a process known as a 'planetary heist'.
Astronomers used the VLBA to trace a wobble in a nearby star's motion and discovered a Jupiter-like planet orbiting one of its stars. The planet has twice the mass of Jupiter and orbits every 284 days, with an inclined orbit of 148 degrees from the stars.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a machine learning model to predict melting temperatures for any compound. The model enables faster and more accurate calculations of melting points, which is critical for designing high-performance materials in various industries.
Astronomers using JWST have detected unambiguous evidence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of WASP-39b, a Saturn-mass exoplanet. The discovery provides valuable insights into giant planet composition and heavy element abundance, with implications for understanding how planets form.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured clear evidence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a gas giant planet outside the solar system. The detection, made using the telescope's Near-Infrared Spectrograph, provides insights into planetary composition and formation.
Researchers from the University of Montreal have discovered an exoplanet that could be an 'ocean planet,' completely covered by a thick layer of water. The exoplanet, TOI-1452 b, has a radius and mass similar to Earth but is believed to be rocky with a possible abundance of water.
Researchers discovered a Neptune-sized planet around a bright blue star, shedding light on the dearth of Hot Neptunes. The planet's proximity to its star makes it susceptible to stripping of its gas, but it may survive for a billion years.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have created an 'eternal engine' to keep next-generation atomic clocks ticking, enabling portable versions that can replace existing satellite navigation systems. The breakthrough uses microcombs and self-emergence technology to ensure stable operation in various conditions.
Scientists using ALMA have detected gas in a circumplanetary disk around a potential Jupiter-mass planet, about 395 light-years from Earth. The discovery sheds light on planetary formation and moon creation processes.
A super-Earth planet, Ross 508 b, has been discovered near the habitable zone of a red dwarf star 37 light-years from Earth. The planet's orbit is elliptical, potentially placing it in the habitable zone for part of its orbit.
Researchers have discovered a new technique for detecting dim bodies, including planets, orbiting Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). The method analyzes changes in brightness caused by perturbations of a third body orbiting the inner two stars. Two out of four studied CV systems show signs of planetary mass objects in orbit around them.
A machine learning algorithm has outperformed astronomers in analyzing microlensing data to find new exoplanets, revealing connections hidden in complex mathematics from general relativity. The AI algorithm uncovered a degeneracy that had been missed by experts, suggesting a broader theory is likely incomplete.
A new study suggests that younger rocky exoplanets are more likely to support temperate climates due to the decay of radioactive isotopes. This critical heat source is necessary for a planet's mantle convection and surface volcanic degassing, which helps regulate climate.
Astronomers at Stanford University propose a new method to manipulate solar gravitational lensing to create advanced imaging capabilities for detecting and studying exoplanets. The technique, developed by Alexander Madurowicz, uses the sun's gravity as a natural telescope to capture fine details on planet surfaces.
An international team of researchers analyzed data from 25 hot Jupiters, finding a link between thermal inversions and the presence of hydrogen anion and metallic species. These findings will help establish a generalized theory of planet formation, improving our understanding of all planets, including Earth.
Researchers have uncovered significant trends in hot Jupiters' atmospheres, including dramatic temperature swings and the presence of metallic elements. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of our solar system and offer a better understanding of exoplanet populations.
The system uses multiple satellites to form an aperture-synthetic interferometer, meeting four key demands: high spatial resolution, contrast, sensitivity, and wide spectral range. Numerical simulations validate the method's efficiency, with reduced transfer times and stable orbit maintenance.
Researchers studied ultra-hot exoplanets using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, discovering unusual weather patterns, such as rain vaporized rock and intense ultraviolet radiation affecting planetary atmospheres. This research provides insights into the diversity and complexity of extreme weather conditions in distant worlds.
A team of researchers has discovered a young protoplanet forming in the disk of a nearby star, providing new evidence for an alternative planet formation mechanism. The study's findings challenge traditional models of planet formation and offer insights into the evolution of exoplanets.
Methane may be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth, according to a new study that establishes conditions for biological activity. The researchers found that atmospheric methane is more likely to be considered a strong indication of life if it co-exists with carbon dioxide and lacks carbon monoxide.
Researchers at UNLV's Nevada Extreme Conditions Lab have discovered a new form of ice with unique properties. The team found that the transition to Ice-X occurs at much lower pressures than previously thought.
Three exoplanets mistakenly identified as planets are actually small stars, according to a new MIT study. The discovery was made using updated measurements of planet-hosting stars from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission.
A new color catalog of icy planet surface signatures has been created to aid in the search for life on frozen worlds. The catalog, based on microorganisms found in subarctic conditions, provides a tool for comparing Earth's biological microbes with those on other planets.
A team of scientists has created a detailed prediction of an Earth-sized planet in the α Centauri A/B system. The model suggests the planet, dubbed 'α-Cen-Earth', would have a mantle dominated by silicates and be geochemically similar to our Earth.
Researchers used lab-based mimicry to reveal a new crystal structure that has major implications for our understanding of the interiors of large, rocky exoplanets. This discovery could have revolutionary implications for how we think about the dynamics of exoplanet interiors.
A team of astronomers led by the University of Birmingham detected a rare circumbinary planet, Kepler-16b, using radial velocity method. The discovery provides clues on planetary accretion and demonstrates that ground-based telescopes can be used for modern exoplanet research.
The study provides the first detailed view of an exoplanet's global atmosphere, revealing a water cycle that dwarfs Earth's jetstream. The planet's night side is home to iron clouds, titanium rain, and winds that whip around at speeds of up to 5 kilometers per second.
Astronomers have detected a new planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Solar System, with a mass comparable to that of Earth. The newly discovered planet, named Proxima d, orbits its star at just five days, within the habitable zone.
Astronomers have detected two mini-Neptune planets losing their atmospheres due to stellar radiation. The finding provides evidence that these worlds may be transforming into super-Earths. The study uses data from W. M. Keck Observatory and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.
Astronomers have identified two mini-Neptune planets losing their puffy atmospheres, transforming into super-Earths. The gas escaping these planets is driven by stellar radiation, with some gas flowing towards the star.
Researchers found that only certain types of planets can form large moons in respect to their host planets. They propose that smaller planets are better candidates to host fractionally large moons. This study provides constraints for future observations and sheds light on the formation of Earth's unique moon.
Researchers analyzed the exoplanet WASP-189b's atmosphere, discovering distinct layers with varying characteristics. The study reveals the importance of considering three-dimensional atmospheric structures in understanding exoplanets.
The study reveals the presence of titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-189b, a hot gas giant planet 322 light years from Earth. The researchers used high-resolution spectroscopy to analyze the exoplanet's atmosphere, finding a layered type of chemistry that suggests three-dimensional effects and winds play a crucial role.
The SETI Institute has teamed up with Louisiana State University and Mississippi State University to assist in designing the science program for L-CAM 1, a lunar-based telescope. The team developed two science cases for observing targets based on understanding the benefits and limitations of a lunar observatory.
Researchers have discovered a giant gas planet, TOI-2180 b, with a diameter comparable to Jupiter's and a mass nearly three times that of Earth. The planet is also believed to contain 105 times the mass of elements heavier than helium and hydrogen.
The study of XO-3b reveals stronger seasonal variations than Earth's, with temperatures reaching 2,000 degrees C. The planet's oval orbit and high surface temperatures suggest a history of migration toward its parent star.
A sub-Neptune exoplanet named TOI-2257 b has been found to have an eccentric orbit around its host star, making it a candidate for further study. The planet's distance from the star allows for liquid water and potentially life-supporting conditions.
Researchers used a state-of-the-art climate model to find that the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface could have been underestimated, with UV levels being up to ten times higher. This challenges the long-held assumption that oxygen levels reached about one percent relative to present atmospheric levels.
A team of researchers has discovered a new object orbiting a Sun-like star that was missed by previous searches. The object is estimated to be between 10 and 20 times the mass of Jupiter and is thought to be a large planet or a small brown dwarf.
Researchers are using a multi-disciplinary approach to study the habitability of exoplanets, with Mars serving as a key example. The team is analyzing the atmospheres of different planets and how they might retain them under various conditions.