The dwarf planet’s ring makes astronomers question whether a long-held theory about ring and moon formation needs tweaking.
Space & Planets
Posted inNews
A Tiny New Device Could Help Find Extraterrestrial Life
Researchers developed a mini analyzer that could be a giant step forward in the search for life and habitable environments beyond Earth.
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Mercury Isn’t Alone in Orbit, and Scientists Don’t Know Why
A cloud of dust traces the innermost planet’s orbital path. By all accounts, it shouldn’t be there.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Lagos longevos cuentan una historia sobre el agua en Marte
Imágenes de alta resolución de paleolagos recientemente descubiertos en Marte demuestran un período de su historia con flujo de agua constante.
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Complex Organic Ices Discovered in a Star-Forming Cloud
The presence of complex organic molecules such as methanol, ethanol, and acetaldehyde in a molecular cloud suggests that these and simpler ices might be available to planetary systems right from the start.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
What Surprises do the Icy Uranian Moons Hold?
With efforts ramping up to send a spacecraft back to the Uranian system, anticipation is increasing as to what geological surprises are hiding inside and on the surfaces of the icy Uranian moons.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Dust on Mars? The Answer, My Friend, is Blowin’ in the Wind
The first flights of a helicopter on another planet are used to study dust lifting and mobilization in Jezero Crater, Mars.
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Starry Nights Are Disappearing
Stars dim as the sky gets brighter, a result of expanding cities and bright LEDs. Simple low-tech changes can help preserve dark night skies.
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Wind Could Power Future Settlements on Mars
Using a sophisticated global climate model adapted to Mars, space scientists explore the hidden potential of wind energy on the Red Planet.
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“Hot Jupiter” Is in a Possible Death Spiral
Kepler’s first exoplanet is migrating toward its star, an evolved subgiant that is much bigger than first thought.