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)
Category: Planets
Discoveries related to the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.
Water Discoveries May Unlock Life’s Mysteries
Water discoveries on the Moon and on Mars were made this week.. Find out how these studies help understand life on Earth and on other worlds. (4:45 min read)
Abundance of Water – Where Did It All Come From?
The abundance of water is still a mystery to science. Find out why researchers believe that water may have formed with the Earth from its beginning. (4:45 min read)
Super-Earth Planets: Red Dots Announce Latest Discovery
Super-Earth planets are planets between the size of Earth and Neptune. Find out about the research team called Red Dots and their planetary discoveries. (4:30 min read)
Intelligent Life on Other Planets: Odds of Finding It
Intelligent life on other planets has fascinated our culture for centuries. Find out what two new studies tell us about our likelihood of discovering it. (5:00 min read)
Planets Without Suns: Can They Sustain Life?
Planets without suns float around orphaned in interstellar space. We've always assumed they couldn't support life. Find out why that view is changing. (4:30 min read)
Astrobiology: 3 Questions We Need to Answer
Astrobiology is working to answer three fundamental questions. Find out what they are and how NASA is coordinating efforts to get to the bottom of them. (4:30 min)
Planets Form From Stardust – Rapidly and Frequently
Planets form by gathering dust, not from smaller bodies crashing into each other. Find out why this is both promising and thrilling for the search for life. (4:00 min read)
Habitable Planets Orbiting Black Holes
Habitable planets orbiting a black hole are the setting for the Christoper Nolan film "Interstellar." Find out what scientists found when they considered the possibility in real life. (4:30 min read)
Martian Colonies Impossible Due to Radiation
Martian colonies are back in the news after a tweet storm by Elon Musk. Find out how an astrobiologist instantly shot down his plans. (4:00 min read)