New class of habitable exoplanets represent a big step forward in the search for life

A new class of exoplanet very different to our own, but which could support life, has been identified by astronomers, which could greatly accelerate the search

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Aug. 26, 2021 ~7 min

The five most impressive geological structures in the solar system

From the tallest cliff in the solar system to its largest impact basin, geological processes on other worlds are very similar to those on our own planet.

David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University • conversation
Aug. 23, 2021 ~9 min


The surface of Venus is cracked and moves like ice floating on the ocean – likely due to tectonic activity

Researchers used decades-old radar data and found that some low-lying areas of Venus' crust are moving and jostling. This evidence is some of the strongest yet of tectonic activity on Venus.

Paul K. Byrne, Associate Professor of Planetary Science, North Carolina State University • conversation
June 21, 2021 ~6 min

Does outer space end – or go on forever?

Astronomers know a lot about what's in outer space – and think it's possible it never ends.

Jack Singal, Associate Professor of Physics, University of Richmond • conversation
June 21, 2021 ~6 min

NASA is returning to Venus to learn how it became a hot poisonous wasteland – and whether the planet was ever habitable in the past

Two new NASA missions – VERITAS and DAVINCI+ – are headed to Venus. The missions will use radar and a probe to learn about Earth's hard-to-study and potentially prophetic neighbor.

Paul K. Byrne, Associate Professor of Planetary Science, North Carolina State University • conversation
June 14, 2021 ~8 min

The internet consumes extraordinary amounts of energy. Here's how we can make it more sustainable

How much energy does the internet use, and - given recent technological advances - could it ever run on renewable energy alone?

Jeff Kettle, Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering, University of Glasgow • conversation
June 9, 2021 ~8 min

Four ways to enjoy a solar eclipse

Test out scientific ideas, connect with your ancestors or just marvel at the beauty of nature.

Samantha Rolfe, Lecturer in Astrobiology and Principal Technical Officer at Bayfordbury Observatory, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
June 8, 2021 ~6 min

I'm a solar eclipse chaser – here's what to expect from this week's partial eclipse

The vast majority of people will be oblivious to what's going on above their heads.

Ryan Milligan, Lecturer in Astrophysics, Queen's University Belfast • conversation
June 8, 2021 ~6 min


Doping trick removes hurdle for next-gen solar cells

Using carbon dioxide instead of oxygen in a key point in creating perovskite solar cells could remove a stumbling block to making them more widespread.

Karl Greenberg-NYU • futurity
June 7, 2021 ~7 min

Nasa has announced two missions to Venus by 2030 – here's why that's exciting

Nasa's sending its first missions to Earth's twin since 1990.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
June 4, 2021 ~7 min

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