Planets with water are the main targets for scientists' search for life on other worlds. Find out how a new study shows that these planets can be very different from Earth.
Category: Universe
Planetary Formation in the News
Planetary formation made the news in three different ways this week. Find out how surprising results from studies of a meteorite, a debris field and the planet Venus all shed new light on our own planet's deep history.
Galaxies Without Dark Matter Might Form From Collisions
Galaxies without dark matter are rare and were once thought impossible. Find out how a new hypothesis about their formation may explain how all galaxies form and what dark matter is.
‘Black Widow’ Binary Star Found – Shortest Orbit Ever
Black widow binary stars consist of a neutron star consuming a nearby companion star. Find out how scientists used a new technique to find one of these rare systems, and why their discovery has two other unique characteristics.
Hubble Telescope Finds Most Distant Star Ever Seen
The Hubble Telescope has just located a star that's 12.9 billion light-years away. Find out why this discovery offers new insights into how our Universe began.
Webb Telescope Optics Meet Expectations
The James Webb Space Telescope team has announced that they've completed a key stage in deploying its primary mirror. Find out why NASA now confirms that the telescope's audaicious design will deliver on its demanding science goals.
Planet with Two Suns Detected by Ground-Based Telescope
A planet with two suns named Kepler 16-b was located using conventional astronomy last week. Discover why this is an important breakthrough that will lead to a better understanding of how planets form.
Moons May Guide Us to Life on Other Planets
Moons similar to Earth's seem to be vital for life on other planets. Find out why a new study explains how to narrow the search to worlds with suitable natural satellites. (4:00 min read)
James Webb Space Telescope Unfolds Its Mirror
The James Webb Space Telescope has now unfolded its sophisticated mirror system. Find out why its program manager called this “a remarkable feat for our team, NASA, and the world.”
Planet Formation Clarified by Young Star System
Planet formation remains one of the mysteries of astrophysics. Find out how a new study sheds light on the process and offers a new method for future research in the field. (4:30 min read)