Planetary Astronomy
Articles tagged with Planetary Astronomy
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.
Giant planet’s slimmer profile
Jupiter is found to be about 8 km less wide at the equator and 24 km flatter at the poles, requiring an updated understanding of the giant planet's size and shape. This research has broader implications for studying gas planets in general and provides new insights into Jupiter's powerful winds and interior structure.
Shadowed cold traps could unlock the mystery of lunar ice
Researchers have discovered that ice has been gradually accumulating on the Moon's poles for at least 1.5 billion years, with ancient 'cold traps' acting as efficient ice-traps for billions of years. The study identifies regions like Haworth Crater as prime targets for future landed missions to find water ice.
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.
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.
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.
Why some objects in space look like snowmen
Researchers at Michigan State University have created the first simulation that reproduces the two-lobed shape of contact binaries naturally with gravitational collapse. This finding suggests that the formation process is surprisingly simple and not rare.
New map of the Milky Way’s magnetism offers insights into cosmic evolution
Researchers have created the first broadband map of Faraday rotation, revealing a complex magnetic field in the Milky Way. The dataset, DRAGONS, captures polarized radio emissions across a wide range of frequencies, allowing astronomers to see magnetic structures invisible before.
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.
Tiny Mars’ big impact on Earth’s climate
Mars plays a measurable role in shaping Earth's long-term climate patterns, including ice ages, through its gravitational influence and orbital cycles. The study suggests that Mars' presence is necessary for the existence of major climate cycles, which have driven evolutionary changes on Earth.
We finally know how the most common types of planets are created
An international team of astrophysicists observed four baby planets in the V1298 Tau system forming into super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. The planets' low densities, comparable to Styrofoam, were measured for the first time, providing observational proof.
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.
A new look at TRAPPIST-1e, an earth-sized, habitable-zone exoplanet
Recent observations of TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized exoplanet in the habitable zone, reveal hints of methane but raise questions about its atmosphere's existence. Researchers caution that more rigorous studies are needed to determine if the methane is a sign of an atmosphere or stellar contamination.
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.
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.
Could these wacky warm Jupiters help astronomers solve the planet formation puzzle?
Researchers seek to understand the origin of eccentric warm Jupiters, which are thought to have complex formation processes. Building on precise data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, scientists aim to develop new models and update existing ones to shed light on these planetary outliers.
Six billion tonnes a second: Rogue planet found growing at record rate
Astronomers have identified a rogue planet with a mass five to 10 times that of Jupiter, growing at an unprecedented rate of six billion tonnes per second. The discovery provides valuable insights into the formation and growth of rogue planets, suggesting they may share a similar path to star formation.
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.
UT San Antonio astronomy professor awarded for advancements in planetary science
Xinting Yu, an assistant professor at UT San Antonio, has been awarded the 2025 Harold C. Urey Prize for her contributions to planetary science. Her research focuses on understanding how planetary surfaces and atmospheres interact and evolve, with applications in exoplanet characterization and habitability studies.
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 research suggests life could survive beneath the surface of mars and other planets using high energy particles from space
A new study from NYU Abu Dhabi found that high-energy particles from space, known as cosmic rays, could create energy needed to support life underground on planets and moons. This process, called radiolysis, can power life even in dark, cold environments with no sunlight.
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...
Decades-old mystery of AlCl dipole moment resolved
Scientists at UC Riverside successfully measured the electric dipole moment of aluminum monochloride, a crucial diatomic molecule. The precise measurement will aid in quantum technologies, astrophysics, and planetary science.
Researchers discover likely site of new planet in formation
Researchers have discovered a likely site of a new planet in formation using the European Southern Observatory's VLT. The disk, which extends 130 astronomical units from its parent star, shows a bright ring and spiral arms.
Millions of new solar system objects to be found and ‘filmed in technicolor’ – studies predict
The Rubin Observatory will revolutionize our knowledge of the solar system by detecting millions of small bodies, including asteroids, comets and other minor planets. The observatory's innovative software, Sorcha, predicts that it will map over 127,000 near-Earth objects, 5 million main-belt asteroids and 109,000 Jupiter Trojans.
New Venus observation mission - World's first long-term planetary cubesat study by Korea’s Institute for Basic Science and NanoAvionics
The CLOVE project aims to investigate Venus's atmospheric temporal variabilities and climate evolution with a series of CubeSats launched every three years over a 15-year period. The mission will provide valuable insight into volcanic activity, solar-atmosphere interactions, and planetary climate shifts.
‘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.
Astronomers observe largest ever sample of galaxies up to over 12 billion light years away
Researchers have detected 1,678 galaxy groups or proto-clusters with unprecedented insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies. The study provides a unique view of how galaxies have evolved since the universe was under a billion years old.
Scientists may have solved a puzzling space rock mystery
Researchers analyzed over 8500 meteoroids and found that the atmosphere and Sun act like giant filters, destroying fragile carbon-rich meteoroids before they reach the ground. This discovery reshapes how scientists interpret meteorites collected so far and could influence future asteroid missions.
Astronomer finds gas giant exoplanets formed earlier than previously thought
New research reveals that exoplanets with masses similar to Jupiter formed much sooner than previously thought, suggesting the accretion process takes place early. This finding could lead scientists to re-evaluate and revamp their theories of planet formation for the solar system and elsewhere.
Sharper image: U of A-built instrument reveals pictures of 'baby planets'
The Magellan Adaptive Optics Xtreme (MagAO-X) instrument observed two young planets orbiting PDS 70, revealing compact rings of dust and startling changes in brightness. The team believes these features are telltale signs of the planet's turbulent youth.
JWST provides insights into rare ultra-hot Neptune LTT 9779 b
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.
Apply for the Davie Postdoctoral Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence for Astronomy
The SETI Institute invites researchers to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship focused on developing advanced AI tools for exoplanet discovery. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Vishal Gajjar and his team to uncover subtle signals in massive datasets using machine learning and anomaly-detection techniques.
NASA's Pandora mission one step closer to probing alien atmospheres
The completion of NASA's Pandora spacecraft bus brings the exoplanet mission one step closer to launch, set to study at least 20 planets' atmospheres for hazes, clouds, and water. The mission will utilize a novel telescope design to capture stellar surfaces and cleanly separate star and planetary signals.
Planets form through domino effect
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 close to solving mystery of how universe’s giant galaxies formed
Scientists have discovered birth sites of gigantic elliptical galaxies, suggesting large gas flows and galaxy collisions created these ancient systems. The research, published in Nature, may finally unravel the enigma of how these giant galaxies formed.
Two UMD Astronomy space probes advance to next round of $1 billion NASA mission selection
Two UMD Astronomy space probes, AXIS and PRIMA, have advanced to the next round of consideration for a $1 billion NASA mission. AXIS will study X-rays from stars and black holes, while PRIMA will explore far-infrared radiation to understand galaxy formation.
A wobble from Mars could be sign of dark matter, MIT study finds
Researchers suggest that if most dark matter is composed of microscopic primordial black holes, they should pass through the solar system at least once per decade, introducing a wobble into Mars' orbit. This detection could lend support to the idea that primordial black holes are a primary source of dark matter.
Formation of super-Earths proven limited near metal-poor stars
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.
Georgia state astronomers make it easier to discover life on other planets
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a new approach to finding life beyond Earth by focusing on the most abundant type of star in the universe: M dwarfs. With their vast resources and potential for habitable planets, M dwarfs offer the best chance for scientists to discover life-supporting exoplanets.
Competition to unlock atmospheres of distant planets using AI
The Ariel Data Challenge 2024 aims to extract faint exoplanetary signals from noisy space telescope observations, with a focus on overcoming noise sources like 'jitter noise'. The competition offers a unique chance for data scientists and AI enthusiasts to contribute to cutting-edge research in exoplanet atmospheres.
Scientific definition of a planet says it must orbit our sun; A new proposal would change that
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.
Surprising meteorite impact rate on Mars can act as ‘cosmic clock’
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered that Mars experiences around 280-360 meteorite impacts per year, exceeding previous estimates. This new tool, known as a 'cosmic clock,' can help scientists date planetary surfaces across the Solar System more accurately.
Shining light on mental health in space science community
A study led by a University of Hawai‘i scientist found that planetary science community members experience higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general U.S. population. The survey also highlighted issues faced by marginalized groups, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Small, cool and sulfurous exoplanet may help write recipe for planetary formation
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.
Glimpses of a volcanic world: New telescope images of Jupiter's moon Io rival those from spacecraft
Researchers captured a volcanic event on Io using the Large Binocular Telescope's SHARK-VIS instrument, achieving higher resolution than ever before with Earth-based observations. The images reveal surface details equivalent to taking a picture of a dime-sized object from 100 miles away.
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.
Newly discovered Earth-sized planet may lack an atmosphere
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.
NYUAD researchers harness the power of the Webb telescope to discover thick, dusty clouds on “nightside” of giant exoplanet
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered thick clouds and a surprising lack of methane on the planet's nightside, while ubiquitous water presence was found throughout its atmosphere. The discovery reveals the first observation of clouds on the nightside of WASP-43b, a giant gas-filled exoplanet.
Jumbo discovery: astronomers offer new model for formation of recently discovered “free-floating” planets
Researchers introduce a new model that suggests dense stellar clusters can eject pairs of giant planets, which remain gravitationally bound to each other as they float through space. This discovery fills a critical gap in our understanding of planetary evolution and challenges prevailing theories of planet formation.
Rice’s Megan Reiter wins NSF CAREER Award to investigate planet-forming environments
Megan Reiter, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, has received a $951,446 NSF grant to study the influence of neighboring stars on planet formation. Her research aims to clarify key forces shaping planet formation by exploring interplay between stars, planets, and environments.
Astronomers reveal a new link between water and planet formation
Researchers have discovered water vapor in the disc around a young star exactly where planets are forming. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) enabled detailed images and spatially resolved observations, revealing three times as much water as Earth's oceans in the inner disc of the HL Tauri star.
UTSA researchers reveal faint features in galaxy NGC 5728 though JWST image techniques
Researchers at UTSA's Department of Physics and Astronomy have used deconvolution algorithms to enhance images of galaxy NGC 5728 obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope. The study reveals a faint extended feature that could be part of an outflow from a supermassive black hole interacting with the host galaxy.
Earth-sized planet discovered in ‘our solar backyard’
Scientists have discovered an Earth-sized planet in our solar backyard that may be similar to early Earth due to its proximity to the Sun and crowded system. The newly discovered planet was identified using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and is part of a young star system called the Ursa Major Moving Group.
Unlocking the secrets of a "hot Saturn" and its spotted star
Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the atmospheric composition of HAT-P-18 b, detecting water vapour and carbon dioxide. They also found a cloud deck that mutes the signals of many molecules, and their findings suggest the star's surface is covered by dark spots. The study highlights the importance of considerin...
Meteorite analysis shows Earth's building blocks contained water
Researchers found that iron meteorites from the inner and outer solar systems had similar amounts of missing iron metal, suggesting that water was present in planetesimals right from the start. This challenges current models, which predict cooler temperatures for the inner solar system or formation further out.
New images reveal what Neptune and Uranus really look like
Researchers used data from Hubble Space Telescope to determine the true colors of Neptune and Uranus, revealing they are a similar shade of greenish blue. The main difference is that Neptune has a slight hint of additional blue due to a thinner haze layer on that planet.
A carbon-lite atmosphere could be a sign of water and life on other terrestrial planets, MIT study finds.
Scientists propose searching for depleted carbon dioxide in planetary atmospheres as a sign of liquid water and potentially life on other planets. A study suggests that low carbon abundance relative to neighboring planets could indicate habitability.