New simulations show that planets around young, massive stars may have been captured or stolen rather than homegrown.
exoplanets
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Pulsar Planets Are Exceedingly Rare
A new survey of hundreds of pulsars could help solve the mystery of why planets exist around these dead stars.
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The First Look at Our New Astronomy Paradigm
Five galaxies, two nebulae, an exoplanet, and the early universe—JWST’s first images provide a cross section of the science yet to come.
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Coronal Dimmings Shine Light on Stellar CMEs
Coronal mass ejections from stars have eluded easy observation, so scientists are looking at what’s left behind.
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Giant Planet’s Formation Caught in Action
Astronomers took a direct image of a massive protoplanet embedded in a protoplanetary disk. The system provides strong evidence for an as-yet-unconfirmed theory of planet formation.
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At-Home Astronomers Help Discover a New, Unique Exoplanet
Amateur astronomers sifting through NASA’s public data uncovered a long-orbit gas giant that could help scientists understand how these planets form.
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Tidally Locked and Loaded with Questions
Tidally locked planets always present the same face to their host stars. What does this mean for their potential to support life?
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To Make a Big Moon, Start with a Small Planet
Why is our Moon so massive compared with Earth, and how might that configuration happen elsewhere?
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Five Reasons Geoscience Should Care About Astronomy’s New Road Map
The latest road map to U.S. astronomy’s next decade recommends a smaller space telescope, ground-based facilities, and an institutional effort to create an inclusive and equitable field.
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Where Moons Are Made
The young, growing planet PDS 70 c has enough material swirling around it to make at least three Moon-sized moons.