[Science China Press] Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the convection of liquid iron in the outer core. It forms a protective shield that deflects most solar wind and galactic […]
Gaia Mission
![Meridional overturning streamfunction (Ψ). Meridional sections of zonally–integrated streamfunction (Sverdrups, 1 Sv ≡ 10 6 m 3 s−1 ) in the (a) IG_Ctrl, (b) Glac_Ref, (c) IG_N50, and (d) IG_N100 simulations. Positive (red) values denote clockwise overturning, while negative (blue) values denote counterclockwise overturning. The apparent diapycnal transport at ~60°S in (a) IG_Ctrl and (c) IG_N50 may be related to the effect of standing meanders [see Jansen (2017)] but does not impinge upon our results. -- Journal of Climate](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/New-discovery.png?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1)
Posted inIcy Worlds
New Discovery Links Hemispheres In The Mystery Of Earth’s Past Ice Ages
[University of St. Andrews] New research from the University of St Andrews has uncovered a thus unknown process which may have helped drive the Earth in to past ice ages.
![1 and 2-planet detectability thresholds for 4 specific configurations of planet mass and period ratios (close to and outside of resonance). The black grid points represent systems where only a single planet is detectable. Grey points show where both planets are detectable. The red line is a power law fit to the upper black contour, parametrising the 2-planet detection threshold. Similarly, the blue line is a power law fit to the lower contour and parametrises the 1-planet detection threshold. -- [astro-ph.EP]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Detecting-multiple.png?resize=1200%2C716&ssl=1)
Posted inGaia Mission
Detecting Multiple Planets In Gaia Data Using Bayesian Model Selection
[astro-ph.EP] Gaia will soon provide a census of cold giant planets. However, an astrometric signal contains the superimposed reflex motion of all companions, so planetary signals cannot be treated individually.
Posted inImpact events
JWST Studies Of Planet-shattering Collisions
[ESA]. In the early history of our Solar System, a Mars-sized object called Theia smashed into the infant Earth, vapourising massive amounts of rock and blasting it into space. Some […]
Posted inMicrobiology & Virology
Microbial Dispersion Via Aerosolization As An Evolutionary Trait
[Frontiers] Airborne dispersion of microorganisms is a constant ecologically significant global process.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather
Atmospheres As Habitats
[Astrobiology (Journal)]. The potential of planetary atmospheres as habitats is understudied and likely underestimated. Although planetary atmospheres can provide the fundamental physical, chemical, and energetic requirements for life, they also […]
Posted inUncategorized
Long-Period Comets’ Orbits Reflect Close Passage by Star HD 7977
The Gaia mission has allowed researchers to understand the motions of stars like never before, even revealing possible interactions between our Solar System and nearby stars.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gaia Mission, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
The First Look of Gaia: Daily Data Quality And Instrument Health Assessment With Automated Early Warnings
Editor’s note: according to NASA: “With its all-sky survey of the position, brightness and motion of over one billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy, Gaia will provide a large […]
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 inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Gaia Mission, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, People Of Astrobiology, Press Release, TRAPPIST-1
Where To Find Other Earths? New List Narrows Down The Targets
New Cornell research – co-authored by an undergraduate and two recent alumni – will help exoplanet scientists pinpoint the most likely places to look for life in the universe out […]