Exoplanetary Science

Lonely Jupiter-like planet tells us more about gas giants

Astronomers pin down the origins of a planetary odd couple

Scientists have measured the atmosphere of the mini-Neptune, revealing a heavy composition with water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The findings suggest that both planets formed far from their host star, then were drawn inward through a gradual process, preserving their atmospheres.

New Star Wars-like planet candidates with two suns discovered

A team of astronomers using a new method to find planets has detected 27 potential circumbinary planet candidates in double star systems. The findings, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, broaden our understanding of planet formation and evolution in complex environments.

Drone radar reveals buried glaciers on Earth, guiding the search for water on Mars

Researchers at the University of Arizona used drones equipped with ground-penetrating radar to map the thickness of rocky debris covering glaciers on Earth. The technology could help future astronauts locate accessible water locked in buried ice on Mars.

Better volcano eruption predictions on Earth--and Venus--thanks to Mauna Loa study

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze satellite data, combining public and private sources to predict lava flow patterns. The study's findings can aid in early warning systems for volcanic eruptions, providing critical information for safety and analysis.

UNM Astronomers reveal always-changing multi-planet system

Researchers studied the TOI-201 system, finding that the planets' orbits are tilted relative to each other, causing them to slowly change orientations. The team used multiple observational techniques to confirm the system's existence and predict future transits.

A new way to detect life beyond Earth without knowing what life looks like

Researchers propose an agnostic biosignature that detects life on a population level by analyzing patterns of planetary traits and spatial relationships. This method prioritizes reliability over completeness, minimizing false positives even if it misses some life-bearing planets.

Between eternal night and day, the faces of two cousins of the Earth

An international team maps the climate of rocky exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1b and c for the first time, ruling out dense atmospheres due to extreme temperatures. The study uses James Webb Space Telescope observations to determine surface temperatures on both day and night sides.

How did this get made? Giant planet orbits small star

The discovery of TOI-5205 b, a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting a four times more massive star than our Sun, reveals its atmosphere has fewer heavy elements than expected. The research suggests that the planet's interior and atmosphere are not mixing, resulting in a carbon-rich, oxygen-poor atmosphere.

A Solar System in the making? Two planets spotted forming in disc around young star

The discovery of two planets forming in the disc around young star WISPIT 2 suggests that the system could resemble a young Solar System. The two gas giants, WISPIT 2b and WISPIT 2c, are found in clear gaps within the disc of dust and gas, indicating that more planets may be currently forming.

AI approach uncovers dozens of hidden planets in NASA’s TESS data

A new AI pipeline called RAVEN has validated over 100 exoplanets, including 31 newly detected planets, using NASA's TESS data. The study found that around 9-10% of Sun-like stars host a close-in planet, and 'Neptunian desert' planets occur around just 0.08% of Sun-like stars.

The best places to look for alien life: Scientists identify 45 Earth-like worlds to explore for a 'Project Hail Mary'

Researchers pinpoint 45 rocky worlds with potential to support life, including TRAPPIST-1 d and e, Proxima Centauri b, and Kepler 186f. The study also explores the boundaries of habitability using exoplanets with unusual orbits.

UW astronomers collect rare evidence of two planets colliding

A team of astronomers has detected rare evidence of two planets colliding, which could provide valuable insights into the formation of our solar system. The unlikely event was observed in a distant star, Gaia20ehk, which was found to have massive amounts of rocks and dust passing in front of it, blocking its light.

Cheops discovers late bloomer from another era

Researchers using ESA's Cheops satellite find a small rocky planet in LHS 1903 system, which defies conventional understanding of planetary order and formation. The discovery sparks renewed interest in exploring alternative explanations for this unusual system.

Unseen planet or brown dwarf may have hidden 'rare' fading star

Researchers believe a gigantic ring system surrounding a brown dwarf or super-Jupiter could have blocked the star's light, causing an extremely rare fading star phenomenon. The dimming lasted nearly 200 days, making it one of the longest ever observed.

Why are Tatooine planets rare? Blame general relativity

The absence of exoplanets orbiting tight binary stars is attributed to the effects of general relativity, which causes gravitational tugs from the stars to make a planet's orbit precess. This process makes it difficult for close-in planets to survive, with 75% being destroyed due to tidal disruptions or ejection from the system.

WVU research helps astronauts stay healthy on long space missions

West Virginia University scientists create digital twin models using AI technology to monitor astronaut movements and muscle activity, predicting potential health risks. The system can detect subtle early signs of trouble, providing personalized exercise routines and helping astronauts cope with balance issues upon return to Earth.

Rethinking where life could exist beyond earth

Astronomers may need to look beyond the traditional habitable zone for liquid water and potentially life-friendly conditions. A new study suggests that tidally locked worlds, even those orbiting closer to cool M- and K-dwarf stars than previously thought, could sustain liquid water on their night side.

Hidden magma oceans could shield rocky exoplanets from harmful radiation

Deep magma oceans beneath rocky exoplanets called super-earths could generate powerful magnetic fields to protect against harmful radiation. This suggests that these planets might be more hospitable for life beyond our solar system.

Polar weather on Jupiter and Saturn hints at the planets’ interior details

Scientists found that a planet's interior composition, specifically the 'softness' of its vortex base, determines the formation of polar vortices. The study suggests that Saturn may have a harder interior than Jupiter, leading to a single massive polar vortex, while Jupiter's softer interior gives rise to multiple smaller vortices.

Astronomers find missing link to galaxy's most common planets

Researchers have found a rare snapshot of worlds in the process of transforming into super-Earths and sub-Neptunes, the galaxy's most common planetary types. The discovery provides an unprecedented glimpse into the turbulent lives of young worlds, shedding light on their formation.

Clues to the origin of hot Jupiters hidden in their orbits

A team of researchers has discovered a distinct group of hot Jupiters whose circular orbits contradict the expected timescale for tidal migration. These planets exhibit characteristics consistent with disk migration, such as primordial alignment and planet multiplicity, suggesting they formed smoothly within the protoplanetary disk.

Ultra-hot lava world has thick atmosphere, upending expectations

A team of astronomers used NASA's JWST to reveal an alien atmosphere in the ancient, ultra-hot super-Earth TOI-561 b. The planet's thick atmosphere is upending conventional wisdom about ultra-short-period planets, and its composition could be representative of planets that formed when the universe was relatively young.

Rare image of Tatooine-like planet is closest to its twin stars yet

Astronomers at Northwestern University have directly imaged a Tatooine-like exoplanet orbiting two suns, revealing unique insights into how planets form around multiple stars. The discovery provides an unprecedented look at the complex dynamics of binary systems and offers new opportunities to test theories of planet formation.

Scientists detect atmosphere on molten rocky exoplanet - study

Researchers detect strong evidence for an atmosphere on ultra-hot super-Earth TOI-561 b, challenging the idea that small planets can't sustain atmospheres. The planet's unusually low density is explained by a thick volatile-rich atmosphere that circulates heat and cools the nightside.

Conclusive tests for the RISTRETTO exoplanet explorer

Scientists at UNIGE have developed a high-precision spectrograph called RISTRETTO to analyze light from the exoplanet Proxima b. The instrument can detect signs of oxygen or water in its atmosphere, similar to Earth.

Dynamic duo of bacteria could change Mars dust into versatile building material for first human colonists

A collaboration of bacteria, including Sporosarcina pasteurii and Chroococcidiopsis, produces natural cement-like materials that can turn Martian regolith into solid concrete. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize construction on Mars and provide benefits for habitat integrity and life-support systems.

Helium leak on the exoplanet WASP-107b

Astronomers from UNIGE and others observe large streams of helium gas escaping from WASP-107b, a super-puff exoplanet with extremely low density. This is the first time helium has been detected on an exoplanet using JWST, revealing valuable clues for understanding atmospheric escape.

Newly discovered star opens 'laboratory' for solving cosmic dust mystery

Astronomers have discovered a stellar companion near a star with hot dust, offering a complex laboratory to understand the origin and composition of this phenomenon. This breakthrough builds on decades of technological leadership in interferometry, enabling scientists to study the interaction between the companion and the dust.

How to spot life in the clouds on other worlds

Cornell University researchers have created a color-coded key of diverse microorganisms that live in Earth's clouds. This new signature allows astronomers to look for signs of life on planets with dense or cloudy atmospheres, including exoplanets with 100% cloud cover.

How do planets get wet? Experiments show water creation during planet formation process

Experimental tests demonstrate that interactions between magma oceans and primitive atmospheres during early years can produce significant amounts of water. This process has major implications for the physical and chemical properties of planets' interiors, with potential effects on core development and atmospheric composition.

UMD astronomer co-leads creation of first 3D temperature map of distant exoplanet

A team led by UMD astronomers has created the first three-dimensional temperature map of a planet orbiting another star, revealing distinct temperature zones and water vapor breakdown. The new technique lays the groundwork for future explorations of faraway planets.

Now in 3D, maps begin to bring exoplanets into focus

Researchers have created the first 3D map of a planet orbiting another star, highlighting distinct temperature zones on WASP-18b. The technique allows for atmospheric variations to be mapped, providing insights into exoplanet temperatures and composition.

Bringing the digital revolution to direct exoplanet imaging with PLACID’s LCD technology

The Programmable Liquid-crystal Active Coronagraphic Imager for the DAG telescope (PLACID) will improve detection and direct imaging of exoplanets using liquid crystals. It can adapt to complex mask configurations, enabling direct imaging of circumbinary planets and proto-planetary discs.

Northern Lights feature in today’s weather report… from a rogue planet

Astronomers from Trinity College Dublin used the James Webb Space Telescope to study the weather of a nearby rogue planet, SIMP-0136. They found strong auroral activity similar to Earth's Northern Lights and detected minute changes in temperature, cloud cover, and chemistry.

Planets without plate tectonics and too little carbon dioxide could mean that technological alien life is rare

New research suggests that technological alien life may be rare on planets without plate tectonics and too little carbon dioxide. The study found that a planet with 10% carbon dioxide could maintain a biosphere for up to 4.2 billion years, while one with 1% carbon dioxide would last only 3.1 billion years.

Cosmic crime scene: White dwarf found devouring Pluto-like icy world

Astronomers have discovered a frozen, water-rich planetary fragment being consumed by a white dwarf star outside our Solar System. The object is thought to be an icy planetesimal, possibly similar to Halley's Comet or Pluto, and has a high nitrogen abundance, making it a rare finding in the field.

The ATREIDES program in search of lost exo-Neptunes

The ATREIDES program observes and analyzes exo-Neptune systems, revealing a surprisingly inclined orbital architecture that offers new insights into chaotic planetary history. The study of TOI-421 highlights the role of high-eccentricity migration in shaping planetary orbits.

A planet crossing starspots reveals the detailed architecture of the TOI-3884 system

A recent study using transits and light curves revealed that TOI-3884 is a highly tilted planetary system with a misaligned stellar spin axis and planet's orbital axis. The star's rotation period was also measured, providing insight into the system's unique geometry.

Space telescope Plato arrived at ESA’s test center by boat

The European Space Agency's Plato spacecraft has safely arrived at ESTEC in the Netherlands, where engineers will complete its assembly and conduct critical tests before its launch. The telescope is equipped with 26 ultrasensitive cameras designed to capture the dimming effect of exoplanets passing in front of their host stars.

Researchers uncover potential biosignatures on Mars

A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.

Tim Lichtenberg, Benoit Carry and Jean Schneider honored by new Europlanet career medals

Three planetary scientists have been awarded Europlanet Career Medals for their contributions to planetary science. Dr Tim Lichtenberg received the Early-Career Medal for his work on planetary formation and exoplanet evolution, while Dr Benoit Carry won the Mid-Career Medal for his research on asteroid structures and planetary defence.

A growing baby planet photographed for first time in a ring of darkness

Astronomers have detected a growing planet outside our solar system in a cleared gap of a multi-ringed disk of dust and gas. The discovery provides the first direct evidence that protoplanets can create these gaps, resolving a long-standing debate in the scientific community.

New model aims to demystify ‘steam worlds’ beyond our solar system

Astrobiologists have developed a new model to characterize water-rich sub-Neptunes, which are planets with sizes and masses between those of Earth and Neptune. This model accounts for the complex behavior of supercritical water and its implications for planetary formation and potential habitability.

Using exoplanets to study dark matter

Researchers propose that Jupiter-sized exoplanets may accumulate and collapse into detectable black holes due to dark matter. This process could potentially generate multiple black holes in a single exoplanet's lifetime, making exoplanet surveys a promising method for hunting superheavy dark matter particles.

Planets without water could still produce certain liquids, a new study finds

Scientists found that ionic liquids, formed from sulfuric acid and organic compounds, could persist on planets too warm for water to exist. This discovery increases the habitability zone for rocky worlds, suggesting life might be possible without water.

Sun dogs, other celestial effects could appear in alien skies

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that hot Jupiter exoplanets can exhibit polarizing dust interactions, similar to Earth's atmospheric phenomena. Silicate crystals in these exoplanets' atmospheres may align due to high-speed winds, producing observable effects like sun dogs.

NIRPS, a new eye on the sky in Chile

The Near-InfraRed Planet Searcher (NIRPS) spectrograph, combined with HARPS, offers exceptional performance in detecting and characterizing exoplanets. The first scientific results revealed atmospheres of two gas giant exoplanets, including one with an extreme atmosphere containing evaporated iron.

Surprising rocky worlds revealed around a small star

A team of researchers has discovered a fifth planet in the L 98-59 planetary system, confirming its habitable zone and potential for liquid water. The planets' sizes and masses have been determined with unprecedented precision using data from space telescopes and high-precision instruments.

Water tornado in the laboratory: A simple experiment simulates planet formation

Researchers create water tornado to investigate flow properties in protoplanetary discs, mimicking gravitational field and finding particles' motion conforming to Kepler's laws. The experiment provides insights into dust-particle interactions promoting planet formation.

For the first time, astronomers witness the dawn of a new solar system

Researchers identified early moment of planet formation around star beyond Sun, marking window to past of our Solar System. The discovery provides a unique analogue for studying early planet formation processes.

Astronomers find a giant hiding in the ‘fog’ around a young star

A team of astronomers detected a large gas giant between three and ten times the size of Jupiter hiding in the swirling disc of gas and dust surrounding a young star called MP Mus. The discovery was made using a combination of results from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the European Space Agency’s Gaia miss...

Youngest basaltic lunar meteorite fills nearly one billion-year gap in Moon’s volcanic history

A 2.35-billion-year-old meteorite offers fresh insights into the Moon's volcanic history and suggests ongoing internal heat generation processes. The rock's distinct composition provides new constraints on when and how volcanic activity occurred on the Moon.

James Webb Space Telescope discovers its first exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured the direct image of a previously unknown exoplanet, TWA 7 b, located within a disk of rocky debris and dust. The exoplanet is ten times lighter than previously captured ones and more similar to Earth than gas giants.

Sun’s fury may change the weather on distant worlds — and maybe even ours

A new study reveals a connection between solar flares and short-term weather patterns on exoplanets. The research found that sudden outbursts of radiation from stars can cause measurable changes in a planet's climate within days.

Silicate clouds discovered in atmosphere of distant exoplanet

Researchers using the James Webb Telescope have discovered silicate clouds in the atmosphere of exoplanet YSES-1-c, which is thought to be linked to the planet's relative youth. The findings offer new insights into planetary formation and atmospheric processes, shedding light on how our own solar system may have formed.

New SwRI model explains exoplanetary systems with compact orbits

A new study by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) proposes that compact exoplanetary systems may be surviving remnants of planet accretion during the final stages of stellar formation. This process results in similarly sized planets with characteristic masses determined by infall and disk conditions.

‘Pinballs in a cosmic arcade’: New study suggests how wide-orbit planets form, supporting existence of Planet Nine

Researchers suggest wide-orbit planets are natural by-products of a chaotic early phase in planetary system development. Simulations show that internal instabilities and gravitational influence can trap planets in extreme orbits.

Unveiling the secrets of planet formation in environments of high UV radiation

Researchers use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to investigate a protoplanetary disk around a young star in the Lobster Nebula. They found sufficient solid material to potentially form at least 10 rocky planets and detected various molecules that contribute to planetary atmospheres.

Astronomers discover a planet that’s rapidly disintegrating, producing a comet-like tail

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.