New e-MERLIN Image of Betelgeuse Reveals Mysterious Hot Spots
A new e-MERLIN image of Betelgeuse reveals two hot spots that appear on the sides of the star with temperatures much higher than the average…
Planetary Science News
Herschel Solves Mystery of Origin of Water in the Upper Atmosphere of Jupiter
Using the Herschel space observatory, researchers have solved the mystery as to the origin of water in the upper atmosphere of Jupiter, finding conclusive evidence…
Water Planets in the Habitable Zone: A Closer Look at Kepler 62e and 62f
In a new paper, astronomers explore the properties Kelper 62e and 62f, which are part of the five-planet system orbiting the star Kepler-62, suggesting that…
Kepler Mission Discovers Two New Planetary Systems With ‘Habitable Zone’ Planets
NASA’s Kepler mission has discovered several new habitable-zone planets in two new planetary systems, Kepler-69 and Kepler-62. NASA’s Kepler mission has discovered two new planetary…
NASA’s Wind Mission Data Reveals ‘SLAMS’ Waves
A new study examines the data from NASA’s Wind spacecraft, which traveled through the foreshock region in front of Earth 17 times from 1998 –…
Titan’s Methane May Run Out
Based on Cassini data, scientists believe that Titan’s methane-based hydrocarbon features may be passing phenomena, the after-effects of a gigantic outburst of methane released from…
Researchers Assess the Surface of Europa for Materials Representing Ocean Composition
In a new study, researchers assessed the amount of sulfate hydrates (compared with relatively pristine water) in the surface ice in five widely distributed areas…
Signs of Winter on Titan – Ice Cloud Forming at Titan’s South Pole
Researchers have detected an ice cloud taking shape over Titan’s south pole. This is a sign of winter weather on Titan and the first time…
Astronomers Discover Rain Falling From Saturn’s Rings
Using the W. M. Keck Observatory, researchers reveal the effects of charged water particles on Saturn’s upper atmosphere. NASA funded observations from the W. M….
Curiosity Data Reveals Changes Martian Atmosphere
New data from NASA’s Curiosity rover helped reveal changes in the Martian atmosphere, providing the most precise measurements ever made of isotopes of argon. Mars…
Io’s Volcanoes Are Not Located Where Scientists Expected
Scientists at NASA and the European Space Agency believe volcanic activity on Io is located 30 to 60 degrees East from where they expected it…
Study Maps the Chemistry Needed for Life on Jupiter’s Moon Europa
Using the Keck II Telescope, scientists analyzed data in the near-infrared range of light from Europa, finding that peroxide is widespread across much of the…
Curiosity’s Parachute Shifts in the Wind on Mars
A sequence of seven images shows how the parachute used in Curiosity’s landing on Mars has shifted in response to wind. Photos from NASA’s Mars…
Pre-existing Mineral Deposits on the Moon Can Survive Lunar Impacts
New research led by Brown University suggests that pre-existing mineralogy on the Moon can survive large impacts and impact melts. Large impacts on the Moon…
NASA’s MAVEN Spacecraft to Study Martian Atmosphere
Scheduled to launch in late 2013, NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft will study the Martian upper atmosphere in detail, gathering information about relevant processes so scientists can…
Volcanic Activity Triggered the End-Triassic Extinction
In a new study, researchers from MIT provide evidence that volcanic activity did indeed trigger the end-Triassic extinction, killing off 76 percent of marine and…
Curiosity Discovers More Hydration of Minerals Near Clay-Bearing Rocks
Using infrared-imaging and an instrument that shoots neutrons into the ground to probe for hydrogen, scientists have found more evidence of water-bearing minerals in rocks…
C60 Detected in Planetary Nebula M1-11
Using data from several telescopes, researchers have detected C60 in the planetary nebula M1-11, bringing scientists closer to understanding the prevalence and formation of C60…