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Solar rain mystery cracked by researchers

Scientists at University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy have discovered a new explanation for the formation of solar rain in the Sun's corona. By allowing elemental abundances to change over time, their models finally match observed phenomena, providing fresh insights into coronal heating and the Sun's behavior during flares.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 1, 2025

Groundbreaking achievement: NSF Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope produces its first magnetic field maps of the sun’s corona

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope successfully produced its first detailed maps of the Sun's coronal magnetic fields, a breakthrough in solar physics. This achievement enhances our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth's technology-dependent society, which is crucial for safeguarding infrastructure.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

Scientists discover CO2 and CO ices in outskirts of solar system

A research team led by UCF's Mário Nascimento De Prá and Noemí Pinilla-Alonso discovered carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on 59 trans-Neptunian objects using the James Webb Space Telescope. The findings suggest that carbon dioxide was abundant in the protoplanetary disk, while the origin of carbon monoxide remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 24, 2024

Venus had Earth-like plate tectonics billions of years ago, study suggests

A new study suggests that Venus once had plate tectonics similar to those on early Earth, which could have supported microbial life. The researchers used atmospheric data and computer modeling to show that the planet's current atmosphere and surface pressure would only be possible with an early form of plate tectonics.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 26, 2023

Gemini North detects multiple rock-forming elements in the atmosphere of a scorching exoplanet

Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope have detected 11 rock-forming elements in the atmosphere of WASP-76b, a Jupiter-like exoplanet. The presence and relative amounts of these elements provide key insights into giant gas planet formation and may challenge our understanding of how planets like Mercury and Earth formed.

Prospecting For Helium-3 On The Moon

Scientists Dr. Jeffrey R. Johnson and colleagues developed a helium-3 map of the Moon based on factors like exposure age, solar wind, and titanium content. The greatest amounts of helium-3 are expected to be found on the far side maria and in nearside areas with high concentrations of titanium dioxide.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 1, 1998

ACE Spacecraft Braces For Fierce Meteor Storm

The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft is taking precautions to withstand the November 17 Leonid meteor storm, which could pose a risk due to its close proximity to the comet's wake. NASA technicians are adjusting the spacecraft's orientation and instruments to minimize damage from the massive cloud of Leonid particles.