Star and planet formation has largely been considered separate, sequential processes. But in a new study, scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have modeled a different scenario where planets start […]
astornomy
Posted inAstrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Status Report
Planets Similar In Size Are Often Dissimilar In Interior
Recent works have found evidence of significant intrasystem uniformity in planet properties such as radius, mass, and orbital spacing, collectively termed ‘peas in a pod’ trends.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Ice Giant, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Uranus
Using Stellar Occultation To Study The Atmosphere Of Ice Giant Uranus
When a planet’s orbit brings it between Earth and a distant star, it’s more than just a cosmic game of hide and seek. It’s an opportunity for NASA to improve […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Status Report
Discovery of the 7-ring PAH Cyanocoronene (C24H11CN) in GOTHAM Observations of TMC-1
We present the synthesis and laboratory rotational spectroscopy of the 7-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) cyanocoronene (C24H11CN) using a laser-ablation assisted cavity-enhanced Fourier transform microwave spectrometer.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Beta Pictoris, Comets and Asteroids, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Abundances Of Refractory Ions In Beta Pictoris Exocomets
Beta Pic is a young, A5V star, known for harbouring a large number of exocomets, which frequently transit the star and produce absorption signatures.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Distinguishing Between Gas Dwarfs And Water Worlds With Young Transiting Exoplanets
The detection of young transiting exoplanets represents a new frontier in our understanding of planet formation and evolution.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
A Molecule-rich Torus-like Structure In The 21 μm Source IRAS 23304+6147
A long-standing enigma in observational astronomy is the identification of the so-called 21 μm feature in a subset of envelopes of post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) stars.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Intelligence & Language, Interstellar, People Of Astrobiology, SETI & Technosignatures, Societal Issues, Status Report
Stephen Hawking’s Warning on Contacting Aliens: A Physics Perspective on the Intelligence Trap
The search for extraterrestrial intelligence is a fascinating and important endeavor, but it raises significant ethical and safety concerns. In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, scientists use knowledge of physics […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Status Report
TESS Hunt for Young and Maturing Exoplanets (THYME) XII: A Young Mini-Neptune on the Upper Edge of the Radius Valley in the Hyades Cluster
We present the discovery and characterization of TOI-4364 b, a young mini-Neptune in the tidal tails of the Hyades cluster, identified through TESS transit observations and ground-based follow-up photometry.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
The Galaxy Activity, Torus, and Outflow Survey (GATOS). (VI): Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission in the Central Regions of Three Seyferts
We analyze JWST MIRI/MRS IFU observations of three Seyferts and showcase the intriguing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission characteristics in regions of ∼500pc scales over or around their active galactic […]