Articles tagged with Planetary Astronomy
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have reconstructed the earliest stages of planet formation, revealing that Earth and Mars formed in different ways. The study's findings support the hybrid model, which suggests that both collision-based and pebble accretion mechanisms contributed to planetary formation.
A research team found that slow freezing and fragmentation can separate salts and organics in ejected material from Enceladus' ocean. This process creates chemically diverse ice grains, with each grain enriched in different salts and compounds.
A new study suggests that Enceladus's icy vents may concentrate organic molecules and molecular biosignatures into individual grains, making them easier to detect. Researchers propose that the process could aid in the search for life on the moon.
A Purdue-led study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals a complex history of water on Mars, with evidence of multiple water episodes and hydrothermal activity. The research found carbonate-rich ridges, groundwater, and lake water, shedding light on the possibility of life on Mars.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin developed a powerful method to track weather patterns on distant worlds, revealing two dominant processes shaping atmospheric changes. The study used PCA to analyze data from NASA's JWST, identifying minute changes in brightness as the object rotated.
Venus, Earth's twin planet, lacks a rocky satellite due to its slow spin and gravity, which causes a moon to collapse and crash into the planet. The discovery sheds light on the planet's evolution and potential habitability.
Researchers have estimated that the unknown absorber in Venus's clouds must absorb light very efficiently, occur at a high concentration, or both, with a required decadic absorption coefficient reaching approximately 1,278 cm-1 at 375 nm. This suggests that highly absorbing conjugated organic molecules could be the culprit, but the stu...
Researchers reveal that missing ordinary matter exists in diffuse clouds surrounding galaxy groups, extending beyond predicted distances. The findings suggest stronger and more violent star activity and black hole jets, pushing matter to larger scales.
Researchers at Uppsala University recalculated the Sun's silver content using a new model that predicts 55% more silver than previous estimates. This resolves a long-standing problem of missing silver in the solar system and improves our understanding of how elements are produced in stars and incorporated into planets.
The Juice and Europa Clipper spacecraft captured simultaneous images of both hemispheres of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. The observations revealed hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon emissions, providing insights into the comet's origin and composition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.