planetary science

Following news that astronomers have detected a potential life signature from K2-18b, a planet 120 light-years away, Rice University's Luis Campos and Scott Solomon are offering historical and scientific perspectives on what the discovery could mean.

For decades, planetary scientists have puzzled over a major Martian mystery: why are the strongest traces of Mars’ ancient magnetic field found almost exclusively in the planet’s southern hemisphere? A new study may finally have the answer—and it lies at the heart of the Red Planet.

In a groundbreaking experiment simulating Martian conditions, lichens have demonstrated remarkable resilience, opening new possibilities for understanding survival in extreme extraterrestrial environments. Researchers from Jagiellonian University and the Polish Academy of Sciences revealed that certain lichens remained metabolically active despite being subjected to harsh Martian-like conditions.

In the quest to understand life beyond Earth, Venus has long been an enigma. Despite its inhospitable surface conditions, this “sister planet” of Earth may have once enjoyed a more temperate climate—and perhaps even harboured life. Now, a team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking equation that could help us determine the probability that life ever arose on Venus, and what that might reveal about the potential for life on other rocky exoplanets.

China’s Zhurong Rover has uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that Mars once had sandy beaches, further supporting the theory that an ancient ocean covered parts of the planet’s northern plains.

Explore the mysteries of the Earth's inner core, its dynamics, and its implications for seismic activity and timekeeping. This blog post delves into groundbreaking research revealing the interactions between the inner and outer core, leading to a deeper understanding of our planet's internal processes. Discover how these findings challenge traditional geological theories and their potential impact on Earth's magnetic field, rotation, and ecological systems. Join us as we unravel the complexities of Earth’s internal structure and its significance to various scientific disciplines.

Explore the crucial role of asteroid impact simulations in understanding the consequences of large-scale collisions with Earth. Research from the IBS Center for Climate Physics reveals how these events can drastically alter climate and ecosystems, leading to significant challenges for biodiversity and food security. Discover insights on impact winters, changes in precipitation patterns, and future implications for human evolution as researchers simulate various asteroid collision scenarios. This study not only underscores the importance of preparedness for potential threats but also enriches our understanding of adaptations throughout history.

Discover the NEID spectrograph's pivotal role in exoplanet detection and its collaboration with the Gaia mission. This state-of-the-art instrument enhances our ability to conduct precise radial velocity measurements and confirm exoplanet candidates. Explore groundbreaking discoveries, including Gaia-4b and Gaia-5b, and learn how these advancements deepen our understanding of planets in their habitable zones. The synergy between NEID and other cutting-edge spectrographs exemplifies the importance of modern observational techniques in astrophysics, providing insights into the cosmos and the potential for life beyond Earth.