Planets
Articles tagged with Planets
New method sharpens the search for alien biology
Researchers found amino acids are consistently more diverse and evenly distributed in biological samples than abiotic ones, while fatty acids show the opposite pattern. This fundamental principle of life may be detectable in data collected by space missions.
Venus’ atmosphere jumps and waves
A new explanation for 'Snowball Earth'
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.
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.
Waves hit different on other planets
Scientists at MIT have developed a new wave model called PlanetWaves that predicts how waves will behave on planetary bodies with different liquids, atmospheres, and gravity. The model reveals that gentle winds can create massive waves on Titan, while hurricane-force winds barely move the surface of lakes on exoplanet 55-Cancri e.
The depths of Neptune and Uranus may be “superionic”
Researchers discover quasi-one-dimensional superionic state of carbon hydride under extreme pressures and temperatures found deep inside ice giant planets. This finding has implications for heat and electricity movement through planetary interiors and could influence magnetic-field generation.
‘Serendipitous’ discovery of Martian ripple marks reveals an ancient sandstorm
A team of scientists using Curiosity rover images discovered ancient Martian ripple marks, indicating intense sandstorms swept through Gale crater around 3 billion years ago. The findings provide insight into the planet's atmosphere at that time, suggesting conditions were higher and closer to Earth's than they are currently.
Spacecraft data reveals surprising detail about Saturn's magnetic "shield"
Researchers have confirmed that giant planets like Saturn operate under a unique magnetospheric regime, with a shifted cusp location due to its rapid rotation. This discovery alters models of magnetic reconnection and high-energy particle acceleration, revealing new insights into Saturn's auroral activity.
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.
Scientists reveal a new class of molten planet
A new class of molten planet has been discovered, with a permanent ocean of magma and a unique composition of heavy sulphur molecules. This exoplanet, L 98-59 d, is unlike any known planet in our Solar System and may be the first of its kind in the galaxy.
Asteroid samples offer new insights into conditions when the solar system formed
Researchers analyzed Ryugu asteroid samples to understand magnetic field evolution in early solar system. The study found that 23 of 28 samples exhibited stable NRM components, providing critical information on the spatiotemporal evolution of magnetic fields.
Hydrogen sulfide detected in distant gas giant exoplanets for the first time
Astronomers at UCLA and UCSD have discovered hydrogen sulfide in the atmospheres of four distant gas giant planets orbiting HR 8799, confirming their planetary status. The detection uses a new data analysis technique that will improve the search for life on other planets.
Evidence of a subsurface lava tube on Venus
A team from the University of Trento has identified an empty subsurface lava tube beneath Venus' surface, estimated to be approximately one kilometer in diameter and 375 meters deep. The discovery was made possible by analyzing Magellan's radar images and provides new insights into Venus' volcanic processes and geology.
How big can a planet be? With very large gas giants, it can be hard to tell
A team of researchers used spectral data from the James Webb Space Telescope to study the HR 8799 star system, finding clear evidence of sulfur on three gas giant planets. This discovery suggests that these massive planets likely formed through core accretion, contradicting older models.
An unusual dust storm on Mars reveals how the red planet lost some of its water
A new study from Tohoku University and other international researchers has found that an anomalous dust storm on Mars can drive the transport of water to the upper layers of the atmosphere, leading to significant water loss. This discovery opens a new path for understanding how Mars lost much of its water over time.
Astronomers reveal new details about dark matter’s influence on Universe
Researchers created the highest resolution map of dark matter, showing its interaction with normal matter through gravity. The new data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope confirms previous research and provides new details about dark matter's influence on the Universe.
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.
Copenhagen researchers make the front page of Nature: Solving the mystery of the universe's ‘little red dots’
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have explained the mysterious 'red dots' seen in James Webb Space Telescope images as young black holes. The discovery provides insight into how the universe's first black holes were born and sheds light on their early development.
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.
Naturally occurring “space weather station” elucidates new way to study habitability of planets orbiting M dwarf stars
Astronomers have created a naturally occurring space weather station around complex periodic variable M dwarf stars to study the environment of planets. This discovery sheds new light on how stars affect their planets' makeup and might provide clues about the habitability of distant worlds.
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.
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.
Uranus and Neptune might be rock giants
A new study by the University of Zurich suggests that Uranus and Neptune may be more rocky than icy, challenging their classification as ice giants. The researchers developed a unique simulation process to model the planets' interiors, which found that the two planets could have either water-rich or rock-rich compositions.
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.
Global One Health index: Expert consensus on synergistic solutions to advancing SDG3
Experts reach consensus on using the Global One Health Index to address complex global challenges and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3. The index enables policy coordination across human, animal, and environmental health through globally standardized metrics.
First confirmed sighting of giant explosion on nearby star
Astronomers have confirmed the first sighting of a giant explosion on a nearby star using XMM-Newton and LOFAR telescopes. The coronal mass ejection (CME) was detected in a star with a magnetic field 300 times more powerful than our Sun, capable of stripping away the atmospheres of planets in its path.
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.
Young rogue planet displays record-breaking ‘growth spurt’
A young rogue planet has displayed a record-breaking 'growth spurt', consuming 6 billion tons of gas and dust every second over several months. The observations provide insight into the turbulent infancy of such celestial bodies, revealing a tumultuous growth process similar to that of stars like our Sun.
Laboratory breakthrough recreating star formation mechanism wins prestigious John Dawson Award
A team of scientists from Princeton University and PPPL successfully recreated the star formation mechanism in a laboratory setting, validating astrophysical theory. The achievement marks over two decades of persistent effort and combines experimental ingenuity, theoretical insight, and advanced computational modeling.
Cosmic glass found only in Australia reveals ancient asteroid impact
Researchers have discovered a new type of tektite exclusively found in South Australia, recording an ancient asteroid impact event approximately 11 million years ago. The unique glasses provide valuable insights into the destructive power of past impacts and their importance for planetary defense.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists date the origin of Jupiter by studying the formation of “molten rock raindrops”
Researchers at Nagoya University and the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics have determined how molten rock droplets formed in Jupiter's early days. Their study shows that chondrule characteristics are influenced by the water content of impacting planetesimals, providing a clearer picture of solar system formation.
Astronomers map stellar ‘polka dots’ using NASA’s Tess, Kepler
Astronomers have devised a method to map the spottiness of distant stars using observations from NASA missions, improving understanding of planetary atmospheres and potential habitability. The new model, called StarryStarryProcess, can help discover more about exoplanet properties.
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.
Rare quadruple star system could unlock mystery of brown dwarfs
Astronomers have identified an extremely rare hierarchical quadruple star system consisting of a pair of cold brown dwarfs orbiting two young red dwarf stars. The discovery provides a unique cosmic laboratory for studying these mysterious objects, which are too big to be considered planets but also lack the mass to be full-fledged stars.
Some young suns align with their planet-forming disks, others are born tilted
A study by researchers at UC Santa Barbara, Yale University and others found that a third of young stars have misaligned rotational axes with their protoplanetary disks. This challenges centuries-old assumptions about the alignment of stars and planets in our solar system and suggests that some stars may be born tilted.
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.
Paper examines role of seasonal frost in brine formation on Mars
Researchers found that brines can develop for brief periods during late winter and early spring from melting frost, suggesting transient water activity is most likely during specific seasons. The study highlights the importance of targeting seasonal windows to detect brine formation with future astrobiological investigations.
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...
The Milky Way could be teeming with more satellite galaxies than previously thought
New research predicts the existence of 80-100 additional satellite galaxies surrounding the Milky Way, orbiting at close distances. These 'orphan' galaxies are lost in most simulations but should have survived in the real Universe.
Massive boulders ejected during DART mission complicate future asteroid deflection efforts
The DART mission's successful asteroid deflection has revealed a complex issue: massive boulders carrying three times the momentum of the spacecraft itself. This unexpected blast complicates future asteroid deflection efforts, as researchers now need to consider the physics of these chaotic and filamentary structures.
The birth of a solar system revealed by planet 'pebbles'
Researchers have detected planet-forming 'pebbles' around two young stars, DG Tau and HL Tau, revealing large reservoirs of pebbles out to at least Neptune-like orbits. This discovery offers an early glimpse into the formation of planetary systems and may help understand how planets are formed.
Was Mars doomed to be a desert? Study proposes new explanation
A recent study suggests that Mars' surface features were shaped by short periods of liquid water, followed by 100-million-year-long periods of desert. The research, led by University of Chicago scientist Edwin Kite, proposes a new explanation for why Mars became a barren desert planet.
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.
SwRI-led paper summarizes notable progress in understanding the evolution of the terrestrial planets
A recent paper by SwRI-led researchers summarizes the scientific community's notable progress in advancing the understanding of the formation and evolution of the inner rocky planets. The study focuses on late accretion's role in controlling the long-term evolution of these planets, with implications for their habitability.
Discovery of giant planet orbiting tiny star challenges theories on planet formation
An international team of astronomers has found a giant planet, TOI-6894b, orbiting a tiny star, TOI-6894, which is smaller than expected to host such a massive planet. The discovery challenges the core accretion theory on planet formation.
Super-Earth discovered in habitable zone of Sun-like star via TTV technique, paving way for ‘Earth 2.0’ searches
Astronomers discover a super-Earth in the habitable zone of Kepler-725, 10 times Earth's mass, using Transit Timing Variation (TTV) technique. The exoplanet receives 1.4 times solar radiation as Earth and has potential for habitability.
Space pebbles and rocks play pivotal role in giant planet’s formation
Researchers analyzing the atmosphere of WASP-121b using the James Webb Space Telescope detected water, carbon monoxide and silicon monoxide in both the dayside and nightside hemispheres. This is the first conclusive identification of SiO in any planetary atmosphere.
‘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.
Politecnico di Milano returns to deep space - 2028 mission to earth-grazing asteroid Apophis
Politecnico di Milano will contribute to the RAMSES mission, studying Apophis' physical and dynamic properties through imagery and data gathered during its flyby. The university's team developed autonomous navigation algorithms that will serve as a test platform for new technologies.
SwRI’s Robin Canup receives 2025 AAS DDA Dirk Brouwer Career Award
Dr. Robin Canup, a leading expert in planetary science, has received the 2025 AAS DDA Dirk Brouwer Career Award for her groundbreaking research on planet and satellite formation, including the Earth-Moon system's origins.
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.
Did it rain or snow on ancient Mars? New study suggests it did
A new study from geologists at the University of Colorado Boulder found that ancient Mars was likely warm and wet, with valleys and channels formed by heavy precipitation. The team's findings add new evidence to a long-running debate in planetary science and suggest that water played a key role in shaping the Martian surface.