WASP-121b, an already unusual planet, might have a remote origin that explains some of its peculiar properties—from iron rain to the unexpected presence of methane.
astronomy
Posted inResearch & Developments
Rubin Observatory Stuns and Awes With Sprawling First Look Images
Wow. Just wow.
Posted inNews
The Late, Great Gaia Helps Reveal Asteroid Masses
Astronomers are using data from the recently decommissioned star-mapping satellite to help determine masses and more accurate orbits of celestial bodies closer to home.
Posted inResearch & Developments
NASA Science Faces an “Extinction-Level Event” with Trump Draft Budget Proposal
The initial draft of President Donald Trump’s budget request proposes devastating cuts to NASA’s science research, future space missions, and field centers.
Posted inNews
A Super Speedy Star May Be Streaking Through Our Galaxy
Astronomers suggest the star is towing along an exoplanet. The system could be traveling fast enough to escape the Milky Way.
Posted inNews
Magnetic Meteorites May Explain How the Solar System Assembled
Faint magnetic properties in primitive asteroid fragments suggest an early magnetic field strong enough to shepherd the growth of the outer planets.
Posted inNews
Planetary Perturbations May Strengthen Gaia
Large-scale disruptions to life may ultimately increase ecological complexity over geologic timescales, though the risk of extinction always looms.
Posted inNews
Small Stars Produce Mighty UV Flares
Stronger-than-expected ultraviolet flares could either provide exoplanets the sparks of life or prevent them from having life at all.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
All Eyes on Jupiter
Astronomers hope amateur enthusiasts will help them monitor Jovian weather.