[astro-ph.EP] Discovering Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars was identified as a priority science goal of the Astronomy 2020 Decadal Survey.
Alpha Centauri
![Schematic diagram (not to scale) of the experimental apparatus used for benzene ice nucleation and growth studies (adapted from Dubois et al. (2021)). Pressure was measured with a capacitance manometer (P1) and an ion gauge (P2). The inset shows a top view of the cooled sample holder with the positions of the three K-type thermocouple gauges (red dots) used for temperature measurements. The ice sample formed on either or both sides of the silicon substrate/tholin sample (grey), which was in the path of the IR beam of the Thermo Fisher iS50. Infrared transmission spectra were collected with a liquid N2-cooled MCT/A detector. -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Experimental-Measurements.png?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
Posted inTitan
Experimental Measurements of Benzene Ice Critical Saturation Ratios on Titan Tholins and Impact on the Microphysical Modeling of Titan’s South Polar Benzene Cloud
[astro-ph.EP] The Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) revealed the presence of a benzene (C6H6) ice cloud in Titan’s autumn south polar stratosphere, following the northern spring equinox in August 2009.
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Near UV Stellar Activity and Brightness Fluctuations of the Alpha Centauri AB Star System from Weeks to Decades — Inputs for Reflected Light Spectroscopy with HWO
We present the most comprehensive near-ultraviolet (NUV: 2550-3255 Angstrom) activity record to date for the Alpha Centauri AB system, combining archival IUE and HST observations spanning nearly five decades with […]
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Astronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Proxima Centauri, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report
Star-planet Interaction In The Proxima System
(Abridged) We search for evidence of star-planet magnetic interactions in the nearby Proxima Centauri planetary system using high-quality, high-spectral-resolution optical observations.
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cubesats and smallsats, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gaia Mission, Habitable Zones, Interstellar, Missions & Hardware, Proxima Centauri, Status Report
Science From The In Situ Exploration Of Tthe Proxima Centauri System
In the future interstellar exploration at near-relativistic speeds will be possible using beamed energy laser propulsion.
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Astrogeology, Desert Worlds, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Press Release
Icy Flow In A Crater On Mars
The material on the floor of this crater appears to have flowed like ice, and contains pits that might result from sublimation of subsurface ice. The surface is entirely dust-covered […]
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cubesats and smallsats, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Status Report
The TOLIMAN Mission: A Low-cost Space Telescope For High Precision Narrow-angle Astrometry
The TOLIMAN project is engaged with the construction, launch and operation of a low-cost space telescope of unorthodox optical design. Its primary science goal targets an exhaustive search for temperate-orbit […]
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Astronomy & Telescopes, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
A Mapping Method Of Age Estimation For Binary Stars: Application To The Alpha Centauri System A And B
Given the wealth of data provided by Gaia and the upcoming PLATO mission, it is essential to improve stellar models to obtain accurate stellar ages. Our objective is to apply […]
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Icy Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 14 January 2026: Setting Up Base Camp At Lake Untersee
Hi Keith, Since our arrival we have been working hard to get shelter in place. That is always our first priority: establish safe, warm protection from the elements, then we […]
Posted inAlpha Centauri, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gas Giants, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Seeking The Worlds Of Avatar: Prospects for Detecting Moons Orbiting a Giant Planet in Alpha Centauri A’s Habitable Zone
Nearby giant exoplanets offer an opportunity to search for moons (exomoons) orbiting them. Here, we present a simulation framework for investigating the possibilities of detecting exomoons via their astrometric signal […]