We explore ion escape from, and solar ion deposition to, an unmagnetized Earth-like planet. We use RHybrid, an ion-kinetic electron-fluid code to simulate the global plasma interaction of unmagnetized Earth […]
2026
Posted inArtemis & Lunar Exploration, Exploration Gear & Tech, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Moon, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return
NASA JPL Unveils Rover Operations Center For Future Missions
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California has inaugurated its Rover Operations Center (ROC), a center of excellence for current and future surface missions to the Moon and Mars. During […]
Posted inAstropharmacy / Biotechnology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Microgravity, Missions & Hardware, People Of Astrobiology, Space Stations, Status Report
Offworld Biotechnology Research: Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4 (ADSEP-4)
NASA astronaut and Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Zena Cardman inspects sample cassettes for installation into the Advanced Space Experiment Processor-4 (ADSEP-4) at the maintenance work area inside the International Space […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Meteorites & Asteroids, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Heuristic Model On The Origin Of The Homochirality Of Life
Life demonstrates remarkable homochirality of its major building blocks: nucleic acids, amino acids, sugars, and phospholipids. We propose a mechanism that places the root of life homochirality in the formation […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Radiation, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, Sample Return, Status Report
Recent Production Rates Of Cosmogenic Nuclides In The Igneous Rocks of Jezero Crater Floor, Mars
The Perseverance rover has collected rock samples from the floor of Jezero crater, Mars, set to be returned to Earth through the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. These surface rocks […]
Posted inArtemis & Lunar Exploration, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Life Support Systems, Mars, Moon, Status Report
Lava Tubes On Earth, the Moon, And Mars: Detection, Evolution, And Exploration Potential
Lava tubes, or subsurface conduits formed by volcanic activity, have emerged as critical geological features for understanding planetary evolution and for supporting future human space exploration.
![Selected examples of different chemically oscillating reactions (COR) with patterns produced during the decarboxylation of malonic acid [1 M] using a solution of sodium bromate [1 M], sulfuric acid [0.33 M], sodium bromide [1 M], and phenanthroline ferrous sulfate [0.025 M]. (A) Spot proliferation pattern in a 10 cm diameter petri dish. (B) A few spots of different sizes formed within half a minute. (C) Pairs of images of a COR in a petri dish with insets taken five seconds apart showing the radial diffusion of circularly concentric spots. (D) Spots spanning from sub-millimeter (white arrows) to centimeter sizes. (E) Twinned circularly concentric spots (white dashed line shows the twin plane). A few bubbles of CO2 produced by the reaction can be seen. (F) Circularly concentric spot with short color gradients in laminations. (G) Circularly concentric spot with long color gradients in laminations. (H) Circularly concentric spot with dozens of laminations and CO2 bubbles, formed later (at ∼26 min) during another reaction. -- GeoScience World](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Authigenic-biosignatures-of-microbial.png?resize=1200%2C718&ssl=1)
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Authigenic Biosignatures Of Microbial Biomass Preserved As Carbonate Ooids Formed By Abiotic Chemically Oscillating Reactions Throughout Earth History
Ooids are small spheroidal carbonate grains that have circularly concentric and radially aligned crystals. Oolitic carbonates are commonly associated with fossils or organic matter, which has led to hypothetical formation […]