Biochemistry
Light And Peptides: New Method Diversifies Natural building Blocks Of Life 
Discovering new biological targets is a critical part of our ongoing battle against diseases. Over the years, scientists have made impressive progress towards the understanding of biological systems, constantly identifying novel targets.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
Blue, White, and Red Ocean Planets - Simulations of Orbital Variations in Flux and Polarization Colors
An exoplanet's habitability will depend strongly on the presence of liquid water. Flux and/or polarization measurements of starlight that is reflected by exoplanets could help to identify exo-oceans.
Astrochemistry
Confirming Interstellar C+60 Using The Hubble Space Telescope
Recent advances in laboratory spectroscopy lead to the claim of ionized Buckminsterfullerene (C60+) as the carrier of two diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) in the near-infrared.
TRAPPIST-1
Powerful Particles And Tugging Tides May Affect Extraterrestrial Life
Since its discovery in 2016, planetary scientists have been excited about TRAPPIST-1, a system where seven Earth-sized rocky planets orbit a cool star.
Astrogeology
Linking The Evolution of Terrestrial Interiors And An Early Outgassed Atmosphere to Astrophysical Observations
A terrestrial planet is molten during formation and may remain so if subject to intense insolation or tidal forces. Observations continue to favour the detection and characterisation of hot planets, potentially with large outgassed atmospheres.
Astrochemistry
Isocyanogen Formation In The Cold Interstellar Medium
Cyanogen (NCCN) is the simplest member of the dicyanopolyynes group, and has been proposed as a major source of the CN radical observed in cometary atmospheres. Although not detected through its rotational spectrum in the cold interstellar medium, this very stable species is supposed to be very abundant.
Extinction events
New Evidence Suggests Volcanoes Caused Biggest Mass Extinction Ever
Researchers say mercury buried in ancient rock provides the strongest evidence yet that volcanoes caused the biggest mass extinction in the history of the Earth.
Mars
Martian Cloud Climatology and Life Cycle Extracted From Mars Express OMEGA Spectral Images
A Martian water-ice cloud climatology has been extracted from OMEGA data covering 7 Martian years (MY 26-32).
Proxima Centauri b
Observation of a Possible Superflare on Proxima Centauri
We report the observation on UT 2017.07.01 of an unusually powerful flare detected in near-infrared continuum photometry of Proxima Centauri.
Moons and Icy Worlds
Dispersion Forces Stabilise Ice Coatings at Certain Gas Hydrate Interfaces Which Prevent Water Wetting
Gas hydrates formed in oceans and permafrost occur in vast quantities on Earth representing both a massive potential fuel source and a large threat in climate forecasts. They have been predicted to be important on other bodies in our solar systems such as Enceladus, a moon of Saturn.
Origin & Evolution of Life
Earliest Earth Life May Have Arisen In Ponds, Not Oceans
Primitive ponds may have provided a suitable environment for brewing up Earth's first life forms, more so than oceans, a new MIT study finds.
More top stories from April.
Recent Releases
Recent Status Reports
Calendar
- 23 Apr: Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG)
- 24 Apr: Global Conference on Space for Emerging Countries – GLEC 2019
- 25 Apr: NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Meeting
- 26 Apr: Space Transportation Association Briefing With NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green
- 29 Apr: International Planetary Defense Conference
- 29 Apr: 6th IAA Planetary Defense Conference
- 30 Apr: NASA Advisory Council Human Exploration and Operations Committee Meeting
- 30 Apr: NASA Advisory Council Technology, Innovation and Engineering Committee Meeting
- 1 May: NASA Advisory Council; Regulatory and Policy Committee Meeting
- 2 May: NASA Advisory Council STEM Engagement Committee Meeting
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