Venus ate its moon
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.
Solar Terrestrial Planets
Articles tagged with Solar Terrestrial Planets
Venus’s mysterious clouds may hide an exceptionally strong light absorber
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...
Rocks from unexplored far side of the moon help rewrite lunar history
Researchers uncover new evidence about the timing and intensity of asteroid bombardment on the Moon's surface, finding it declined gradually rather than a short burst. The discovery allows scientists to reconstruct over three billion years of lunar impact history.
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
Researchers discovered a 'hydraulic jump' causing massive cloud waves on Venus, connected to the planet's superrotation and sulfuric acid vapor. This phenomenon may also impact future Mars missions, with potential implications for planetary exploration.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2026
Rice researchers find sulfur-rich Mercury magmas behave differently than Earth’s
Researchers use a meteorite resembling Mercury's chemical makeup to recreate the planet's conditions, finding that sulfur lowers the temperature at which magma begins to crystallize. This process reveals how Mercury's low iron content and high sulfur levels shape its interior evolution and crust formation.
SourceRice University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
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.
SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2026
New report outlines science priorities for human Mars exploration
The report identifies top-priority scientific objectives and proposes four mission campaigns to maximize the scientific return of the first three human landings on Mars. It provides a science-driven roadmap balancing scientific goals with existing NASA mission plans and technological capacity.
Volcanic emissions of reactive sulfur gases may have shaped early mars climate, making it more hospitable to life
A new study suggests that volcanic activity on early Mars emitted sulfur gases, creating a greenhouse effect and making the planet's climate more hospitable to life. The research found high concentrations of chemically reduced forms of sulfur, which are highly reactive and could have induced a hazy environment.
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.
Mars’s interior more like Rocky Road than Millionaire’s Shortbread, scientists find
New research finds Mars' mantle preserves a record of its violent beginnings, with chunky layers containing ancient fragments up to 4km wide. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of rocky planets and challenges current understanding of planetary formation.
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.
Subaru telescope discovers “fossil” in outer Solar System
The discovery of 2023 KQ 14, a sednoid with an unusual orbit, challenges our understanding of the outer Solar System's structure. The object's stable orbit over 4.5 billion years suggests that the system is more diverse and complex than previously thought.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2025
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.
UT Austin grad students find missing link in early Martian water cycle
Researchers Mohammad Afzal Shadab and Eric Hiatt developed a computer model that calculates the time it took for water on early Mars to percolate from the surface down to the aquifer, finding a 50-200 year timeframe. This process could have covered Mars with at least 300 feet of water.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2025
Molten Martian core could explain red planet’s magnetic quirks
A new study from the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics suggests that Mars' molten core could explain its unusual magnetic field. Researchers used computer simulations to model a fully liquid core and found that it could produce a one-sided magnetic field, matching the imprint seen today.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2025
Organic molecules of unprecedented size discovered on Mars
Researchers have detected unprecedentedly large organic molecules on Mars, containing up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms. These findings provide valuable insights into the planet's potential for life and pave the way for future interplanetary science missions.
SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2025
After greening comes darkness….and it really does matter!
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
Why is Mars red? Scientists may finally have the answer
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that the water-rich iron mineral ferrihydrite is responsible for Mars' iconic red color. The research, led by Brown University researchers, analyzed data from Martian orbiters and rovers, as well as laboratory simulations, to reach this conclusion.
Rocky planets orbiting small stars could have stable atmospheres needed to support life
A University of Washington-led study suggests that rocky planets orbiting M-dwarf stars can maintain stable atmospheres over time, enhancing the chances of supporting life. The James Webb Space Telescope has observed hotter planets without significant atmospheres, but temperate planets in the 'Goldilocks zone' may have stable atmospheres.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 2024
New Earth Science Frontiers study highlights achievements of the scientific drilling of Songliao Basin
A groundbreaking scientific drilling project has unearthed the world's longest geological record of the Cretaceous period, spanning over 50 million years. The project, led by Professor Wang Chengshan, has provided crucial insights into paleoclimate research and will continue to aid in predicting future climate trends.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2024
The remains of an ancient planet lie deep within Earth
Researchers propose that ancient planet Theia collided with Earth billions of years ago, forming two continent-sized blobs of unusual material and the Moon. The blobs, known as large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs), are rich in iron and likely composed of different proportions of elements than the mantle surrounding them.
Scientists discover molten layer covering Martian core
Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.
Does lightning strike on Venus? Maybe not, study suggests
A team of space physicists used NASA's Parker Solar Probe to analyze whistler waves, finding they originated from disturbances in Venus' weak magnetic fields. The results support a previous study that failed to detect radio waves generated by lightning strikes on the planet.
Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds
A new study reveals that magma oceans on rocky exoplanets can affect their size, evolutionary path, and mantle structure. The research found that these ocean's compressible nature can make lava-rich planets denser than solid planets of similar size.
SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023
Phosphate, a key building block of life, found on Saturn’s moon Enceladus
Researchers have found high levels of phosphates in the water on Saturn's moon Enceladus, a key component of DNA and cell membranes. The discovery increases the chances of finding habitable worlds across the galaxy, as Enceladus can support life over a wider range of distances from its star.
Are Earth and Venus the only volcanic planets? Not anymore.
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet, LP 791-18d, with active volcanoes that could sustain an atmosphere, potentially allowing for liquid water and life. The planet's unique tidal locking creates a permanent day and night side, with the night side possibly experiencing condensation of water vapor.
JWST confirms giant planet atmospheres vary widely
Astronomers using JWST discovered that the atmosphere of exoplanet HD149026b, a 'hot Jupiter,' is super-abundant in carbon and oxygen, far above expectations. This finding provides insight into planet formation and suggests that giant planets may have varied atmospheric compositions.
The planet that could end life on Earth
A recent experiment by UC Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane demonstrates that a terrestrial planet in this location would have disastrous effects on the solar system. The simulation found that such a planet could destabilize Earth's orbit, making it far less habitable and potentially ejecting Mercury and Venus from the solar system.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 7, 2023
Solar System formed from “poorly mixed cake batter,” isotope research shows
Researchers have discovered that primitive meteorites contain a different mix of potassium isotopes than those found in other, more-chemically processed meteorites. This suggests that the Solar System was formed from a 'poorly mixed cake batter' of materials, with some planets receiving a unique blend of elements from distant sources.
Earth isn’t ‘super’ because the sun had rings before planets
A new study by Rice University astrophysicist André Izidoro suggests that the sun had rings before planets formed, explaining many solar system features. The model simulates the solar system's formation hundreds of times and reproduces several features missed by previous models, including pressure bumps and rings.
Tracking down the forces that shaped our solar system’s evolution
Researchers have uncovered the truth behind the missing volatiles in meteorites, revealing a massive shockwave phenomenon that stripped elements from planetary building blocks. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's geochemical evolution and the Solar System's youth.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021
Rover images confirm Jezero crater is an ancient Martian lake
The Perseverance rover's first scientific analysis confirms Jezero crater was a calm lake for most of its existence, interrupted by flash floods that carried huge boulders downstream. The findings provide clues to Martian climate evolution and offer opportunities to search for signs of ancient life.
World’s biodiversity maps contain many gaps, Yale study finds
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.