We live in an age of exoplanet discovery. One thing we’ve learned is not to be surprised by the kinds of exoplanets we keep discovering. We’ve discovered planets where it might rain glass or even iron, planets that are the rocky core remnants of gas giants stripped of their atmospheres, and drifting rogue planets untethered to any star.
Space News & Blog Articles
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Juno Spots Salts and Organic Molecules on Ganymede’s Surface
NASA’s Juno mission continues to orbit Jupiter, gathering data on its atmosphere, composition, gravitational field, magnetic field, and radiation environment. This data is helping scientists to learn more about the planet’s formation, internal structure, mass distribution, and what is driving its powerful winds. Periodically, the spacecraft also performs flybys of Jupiter’s largest satellites (the Galilean Moons), acquiring stunning images and vital data on their surfaces. These include optical and thermal images of Io’s many active volcanoes, Europa’s icy terrain, and infrared images of Ganymede.
JWST Detects Carbon Dioxide in a Centaur for the First Time
A study published today in The Planetary Science Journal examines how NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has conducted a first-time detection of carbon dioxide in a Centaur, this one designated 39P/Oterma. A Centaur is a small planetary body that orbits between Jupiter and Neptune and frequently crosses the orbits of one or more of the gas giant planets within our solar system. While no Centaur has been imaged up-close, they typically exhibit a combination of attributes between comets and asteroids. While carbon monoxide has been detected in two known centaurs, this recent discovery could mark a turning point in how scientists understand the formation, evolution, and composition of not only Centaurs, but of the early solar system, as well.
Private astronaut mission likely first to use SpaceX’s new crew access tower
The crew access arm is manuevered into place on the newly constructed tower at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. Image: Adam Bernstein/Spaceflight Now.
A crew access arm was lifted into place at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral on Monday, as SpaceX races to ready the pad for its first Crew Dragon launch with astronauts as soon as January.
Roman Could Finally Tell Us if Primordial Black Holes Exist
When the Universe erupted into existence with the Big Bang, all of its matter was compressed into a tiny area. Cosmologists theorize that in some regions, subatomic matter may have been so tightly packed that matter collapsed into primordial black holes. If these primordial black holes exist, they’re small, and they could be hiding among the population of free-floating planets.
China launches mystery satellite on Long March 7A rocket (photo)
China launched what it describes as a communications technology satellite on Nov. 3. The craft is part of the TJS series, which may be a cover name for satellites for a range of different uses.
Space Summit 2023 Press Conference
Video: 00:45:00
Government ministers representing ESA’s Member States, Associate States and Cooperating States met for a Council meeting on 6 November 2023 during the Space Summit in Seville, Spain. They resolved together to strengthen Europe’s space ambitions to better serve European citizens. At the same time, ESA will open a new era of modernising the implementation of its programmes, responding to growing commercialisation and privatisation of space activities, in particular in the fields of space transportation and space exploration. The opening of the meeting was followed by an introduction by ESA Director General and statements by Member, Associate and Cooperating States and observers.
What is STEVE, and how is it different from the aurora?
STEVE is an atmospheric phenomenon that is similar to yet separate from the aurora. It looks like a mauve streak across the night sky.
Supermassive Black Holes Shut Down Star Formation During Cosmic Noon
Since it became operational almost two years ago, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has produced countless breathtaking images of the Universe and enabled fresh insights into how it evolved. In particular, the telescope’s instruments are optimized for studying the cosmological epoch known as Cosmic Dawn, ca. 50 million to one billion years after the Big Bang when the first stars, black holes, and galaxies in the Universe formed. However, astronomers are also getting a better look at the epoch that followed, Cosmic Noon, which lasted from 2 to 3 billion years after the Big Bang.
Star-birthing galaxies can hide supermassive black holes behind walls of dust
Feeding supermassive black holes, hosting objects that power quasars blasting out the most powerful light in the universe, could hide in galaxies behind thick clouds of dust.
Ministers back Europe’s sustainable and competitive space ambitions
Europe will harness space for a greener future, take decisive steps in exploration, and ensure autonomous access to space while preparing a paradigm shift towards a more competitive next generation of launchers, following decisions taken today at the ESA Space Summit in Seville.
Dark matter-hunting Euclid mission to share its 1st full-color images of the universe on Nov. 7
On Tuesday (Nov. 7), we'll get to see the universe in full color through the eyes of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Euclid probe for the first time.
To the Stars, Through (or Despite) Hardship
Ad astra per aspera — to the stars through hardship. The saying applies universally, but personally, it might hit home in different ways.
Astronaut Luca Parmitano on NASA's return to the moon: 'It's no longer a dream' (exclusive)
An exclusive interview with the European Space Agency's accomplished astronaut Luca Parmitano, the first Italian to command the International Space Station.
Powerful solar storm supercharges auroras and STEVE around the world (photos)
A strong solar storm triggered magnificent aurora displays over the weekend. Here we take a look at some of the best northern lights and southern lights photographs from around the world.
Scientists finally discover 'lost continent' thought to have vanished without a trace
Scientists have pieced together the remnants of a continent that broke off from western Australia 155 million years ago and seemingly vanished as it drifted northward toward Southeast Asia.
ESA Council at ministerial level - Part 1
Video: 02:00:00
Government ministers representing ESA’s Member States, Associate States and Cooperating States met for a Council meeting on 6 November 2023 during the Space Summit in Seville, Spain. They resolved together to strengthen Europe’s space ambitions to better serve European citizens. At the same time, ESA will open a new era of modernising the implementation of its programmes, responding to growing commercialisation and privatisation of space activities, in particular in the fields of space transportation and space exploration. The opening of the meeting was followed by an introduction by ESA Director General and statements by Member, Associate and Cooperating States and observers.
James Burke discusses revival of famous 'Connections' docuseries: Exclusive Q&A
We discuss the revival of the 'Connections' docuseries on Curiosity Stream with science historian James Burke. Brace yourselves for a mind-blowing look at our past, and our future.
Citizen scientists detect patterns in clouds over Mars
Citizen scientists working with the NASA Cloudspotting project have used data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to observe when and where water and carbon dioxide clouds cluster over the Red Planet.
Smart simians stare at the stars in 1st 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' teaser (video)
20th Century Studios just unveiled the first trailer for 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' as well as the film's release date — May 24, 2024.
