A doomed planet orbiting an aging star has been observed for the first time. Find out what this discovery can contribute to our search for life on other worlds.
Category: Planets
Discoveries related to the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.
Lunar Meteorites Help Explain Moon’s Formation
Lunar meteorites are very rare rocks that scientists sometimes discover in Antarctica or deserts. Find out how a new study of the trace gases they contain has shed light on the origins of the moon and the Earth.
Planets with Water Aren’t Always Earth-Like
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.
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.
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)
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)
Radio Signals Detected From Planet Beyond Solar System
Radio signals from an exoplanet have been detected by a team of radio astronomers. Find out how this discovery contributes to the search for life beyond Earth. (3:45 min read)
Water on Mars: Where Does It All Go?
Water on Mars has been escaping for at least a billion years. Find out how NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft has shed new light on why this happens. (4 min read)
Earth-Like Planets Orbit Half of All Sun-Like Stars
Earth-like planets seem to orbit about half of all stars like our Sun. Find out why knowing this takes us closer to finding life in space. (4:00 min read)