![[TOP] Time evolution of H2 mixing ratio for an atmosphere with 100% H2O. The heatmaps display vertical profiles over the 360-day simulation duration, with pressure (in bars) on the y-axis and time (in days) on the x-axis. The upper row shows results from the YMDF and FF models, while the bottom row corresponds to the FF 400 K and the CF model, as indicated on the panels. [BOTTOM] Heatmaps of CH4 mixing ratio in the atmosphere with 1% H2O over the 360-day simulation period for an atmosphere containing 100% water vapour analogous to the previous Fig. 8 -- astro-ph.EP](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Stellar-Flare-driven-Evolution.png?resize=1200%2C718&ssl=1)
Context. M dwarfs are key targets for terrestrial exoplanet studies, with prospects for atmospheric spectroscopy. However, strong stellar magnetic activity and frequent flaring require modelling efforts to assess their impact […]
Space Weather & Heliophysics
Posted inImaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Stellar Cartography
Interstellar Spacecraft Voyager 1 Instrument Shut Down to Assure Continued Mission Operations
On April 17 2026, engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California sent commands to shut down an instrument aboard Voyager 1 called the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Jupiter, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report
Constraining Electron-Impact Ionization of O2 Through UV Aurora Observations at Ganymede
While photoionization rates of Ganymede‘s O2 dominated atmosphere are well constrained, the contribution of electron-impact ionization is rather uncertain.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Press Release, Space Weather & Heliophysics, TRAPPIST-1
Resistive MHD Simulations of Stellar Wind-Magnetosphere Coupling in TRAPPIST-1e
Close-in terrestrial exoplanets around M dwarfs reside in dense, magnetized winds, where non-ideal plasma coupling can strongly affect how electromagnetic energy is redistributed within the dayside interaction region.
Posted inAstrogeology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Wind Accretion Onto Planets Orbiting An Evolving Solar-like Star And Their Detectability
As stars evolve, they undergo significant changes in their physical properties, which can have a profound impact on the planets orbiting them.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics
New Model Defines An Upper Limit To Planetary Radiation Belt Intensity
We all know that stars radiate light and much more. But radiation belts can also surround many other celestial bodies, such as planets.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Comets and Asteroids, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Meteorites & Asteroids, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report
Hydration Features on Near-Earth Objects: Integrating New Data with Prior Results
Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are excellent laboratories for testing processes that affect airless bodies, as well as informing us about solar system history.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Habitable Zones, Mars, Press Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics
ESA Orbiters Watch A Solar Superstorm Hit Mars
What happens when a solar superstorm hits Mars? Thanks to the European Space Agency’s Mars orbiters, we now know: glitching spacecraft and a supercharged upper atmosphere.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report, Stellar Cartography
Long-term Activity Cycles In Planetary M Stars Observed With SOPHIE
M dwarfs are prime targets for exoplanet searches due to their low masses and radii, which enable the detection of small planets in their habitable zones (HZs).
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release, SETI & Technosignatures, Space Weather & Heliophysics
Why SETI Might Have Been Missing Alien Signals
A new study by researchers at the SETI Institute suggests stellar “space weather” could make radio signals from extraterrestrial intelligence harder to detect. Stellar activity and plasma turbulence near a […]