Space Exploration
Feb 13, 2020
NASA's space snowman reveals secrets: few craters, no water
NASA's space snowman is revealing fresh secrets from its home far beyond Pluto.
Search results for planetesimals
Space Exploration
Feb 12, 2020
New models hint at longer timescale for Mars formation
The early solar system was a chaotic place, with evidence indicating that Mars was likely struck by planetesimals, small protoplanets up to 1,200 miles in diameter, early in its history. Southwest Research Institute scientists ...
Astronomy
Jan 31, 2020
Making simulated cosmic dust—in the microwave
Cosmic dust is the key to the chemical evolution of stars, planets, and life itself, but its composition is not well understood, and we can't currently collect samples for analysis. A few examples have arrived on Earth as ...
Space Exploration
Oct 17, 2019
Near-Earth asteroids spectroscopic survey at the Isaac Newton telescope
The study of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) is driven by both scientific and practical reasons. Because of their proximity to our planet, they can provide key information regarding the delivery of water and organic-rich material ...
Space Exploration
Oct 7, 2019
Astronomers find cyanide gas in interstellar object 2I/Borisov
When the mysterious object known as 'Oumuamua passed Earth in October of 2017, astronomers rejoiced. In addition to being the first interstellar object detected in our solar system, its arrival opened our eyes to how often ...
Astronomy
Sep 27, 2019
Many gas giant exoplanets waiting to be discovered
There is an as-yet-unseen population of Jupiter-like planets orbiting nearby Sun-like stars, awaiting discovery by future missions like NASA's WFIRST space telescope, according to new models of gas giant planet formation ...
Astronomy
Sep 26, 2019
Get ready for more interstellar objects, astronomers say
Gregory Laughlin and Malena Rice weren't exactly surprised a few weeks ago when they learned that a second interstellar object had made its way into our solar system.
Astronomy
Sep 16, 2019
Rare metallic asteroids might have erupted molten iron
The metallic asteroid Psyche has mystified scientists because it is less dense than it should be, given its iron-nickel composition. Now, a new theory could explain Psyche's low density and metallic surface.
Astronomy
Aug 5, 2019
Four new 'hot Jupiters' discovered
Astronomers report the detection of four new "hot Jupiter" exoplanets as part of the WASP-south survey. The newfound alien worlds received designations: WASP-178b, WASP-184b, WASP-185b and WASP-192b. The discovery is detailed ...
Space Exploration
Jul 9, 2019
Study suggests asteroids might play key role in spreading life
Picture this: A bacteria-carrying asteroid is ejected from the center of the galaxy into the far reaches of space only to be "captured" by a distant solar system, potentially bringing life to a new world.
