MIT astronomers find the smallest asteroids ever detected in the main belt

The team’s detection method, which identified 138 space rocks ranging from bus- to stadium-sized, could aid in tracking potential asteroid impactors.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Dec. 9, 2024 ~8 min

A distant planet seems to have a sulphur-rich atmosphere, hinting at alien volcanoes

Astronomers have detected possible signs of gases released by volcanic activity.

Agnibha Banerjee, PhD Student, The Open University • conversation
Nov. 11, 2024 ~6 min


Bridging the heavens and Earth

EAPS PhD student Jared Bryan found a way to use his research on earthquakes to help understand exoplanet migration.

Paige Colley | EAPS • mit
Sept. 17, 2024 ~8 min

3 Questions: Evidence for planetary formation through gravitational instability

Assistant Professor Richard Teague describes how movement of unstable gas in a protoplanetary disk lends credibility to a secondary theory of planetary formation.

Paige Colley | EAPS • mit
Sept. 4, 2024 ~4 min

Life on alien planets probably wouldn’t experience day and night – here’s how that may change evolution

Most planets that have the potential to host life have one side always facing their sun.

Maureen Cohen, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Venus Global Climate Modelling, The Open University • conversation
Sept. 3, 2024 ~6 min

Astronomers uncover risks to planets that could host life

Astronomers have discovered that red dwarf stars can produce stellar flares that carry far-ultraviolet (far-UV) radiation levels much higher than previously

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Aug. 5, 2024 ~3 min

Astronomers spot a highly “eccentric” planet on its way to becoming a hot Jupiter

The planet’s wild orbit offers clues to how such large, hot planets take shape.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
July 17, 2024 ~9 min

Stinky exoplanet reeks of rotten eggs

An exoplanet infamous for its deadly weather has been hiding another bizarre feature—it reeks of rotten eggs. Here's why that's a good thing.

Roberto Molar Candanosa-Johns Hopkins • futurity
July 9, 2024 ~6 min


Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on what life is like on Earth?

It’s hard to look for something you’ve never seen before – and that might not even exist. But you have to start somewhere.

Cole Mathis, Assistant Professor of Complex Adaptive Systems, Arizona State University • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~9 min

Astronomers spot a giant planet that is as light as cotton candy

The new world is the second-lightest planet discovered to date.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
May 14, 2024 ~8 min

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