Flat-Slab Subduction in South America Mirrors Formation of Rocky Mountains
For the first time, Yale University geophysicists are getting to look at a geological process in South America that mirrors the formation of America’s Rocky…
Carnegie Institution for Science
New Surface Composition Maps of Mercury Provide Clues to the Planet’s History
Using data from the MESSENGER spacecraft, scientists reveal previously unrecognized geochemical terranes of Mercury. Washington, D.C. – Two new papers from members of the MESSENGER…
Scientists Synthesize an Entirely New Form of Silicon
Using a novel high-pressure precursor process, scientists from the Carnegie Institution for Science have synthesized an entirely new form of silicon. Washington, D.C. — Silicon…
Study Reveals Water on Earth is Older Than Our Sun
A newly published study from the Carnegie Institution for Science reveals that a significant fraction of our Solar System’s water is older than the Sun…
Why Binary Stars Are So Abundant
New research from the Carnegie Institution for Science helps to explain why binary stars are so abundant. Washington, D.C. — New modeling studies from Carnegie’s…
Astronomers Solve Quasar Sequence Mystery
New research helps solves a quasar mystery that astronomers have been puzzling over for 20 years, presenting a pathway to a better understanding of how…
Astronomers Discover First Evidence of Water Ice Clouds Outside Our Solar System
Using the FourStar imager at Las Campanas Observatory, scientists have discovered evidence of water ice clouds on a newly discovered brown dwarf WISE J085510.83-071442.5 (W0855)…
Indications of Water Clouds in a Brown Dwarf 7 Light-Years from Earth
A team of astronomers has discovered indications of water clouds in the coldest known brown dwarf, which is located 7.3 light-years from Earth. Astronomers have…
Cool Planet-Like Object May Have Spent Much of Its Youth as Hot as a Star
A new study details the discovery of a Y dwarf (WISE J0304-2705) that may have spent much of its youth as hot as a star….
Hubble Confirms the Distance of Galaxy Cluster JKCS 041
New research from the Carnegie Institute for Science has confirmed the distance of galaxy cluster JKCS 041, revealing 19 galaxies at precisely the same great…
Chemical Analysis Reveals that Nearby Galaxy Segue 1 is a “Fossil” from the Early Universe
By analyzing the chemical elements in nearby galaxy Segue 1, new research reveals that it is the least chemically evolved galaxy known and researchers believe…
Distant Dwarf Planet Discovered Beyond the Known Edge of Our Solar System
Using ground based observatories, scientists discovered a distant dwarf planet, dubbed 2012 VP113, located beyond the known edge of our solar system. Washington, D.C.—The Solar…
New Study Resolves a Decades-Old Paradox between Thermal History Models and Estimates of Mercury’s Contraction
A newly published study from the Carnegie Institute resolves a decades-old paradox between thermal history models and estimates of Mercury’s contraction, showing that Mercury contracted…
Recently Discovered Luhman 16AB System May Harbor Planet
Detailed analysis of the recently discovered Luhman 16AB system has revealed that the pair of failed stars may be harboring a planet. Pasadena, California —…
Newly Discovered Planetary Candidates are Nearly Skimming Their Host Star’s Surface
New research presented at the American Astronomical Society’s Division of Planetary Sciences details the discovery of planetary candidates with orbital periods as short as four…
New Theoretical Models Could Aid in the Hunt for Habitable Planets
A recently published study details new theoretical models that reveal how an outburst event in the Sun’s early years could help in the hunt for…
Distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud Recalculated, Improves Hubble Constant
By observing a rare close pairs of stars, known as eclipsing binaries, a team of scientists recalculated the distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud, refining…
How Jupiter and Saturn Formed and Evolved
In newly published research from the Carnegie Institution for Science, Alan Boss uses highly detailed, three dimensional models to help explain how the gas giant…