HD 191939 (TOI-1339) is a nearby (d=54pc), bright (V=9mag), and inactive Sun-like star (G9 V) known to host a multi-planet transiting system. Ground-based spectroscopic observations confirmed the planetary nature of […]
astro-ph.EP
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Broadband Vortex Fiber Nulling: High-dispersion Exoplanet Science At The Diffraction Limit
As the number of confirmed exoplanets continues to grow, there is an increased push to spectrally characterize them to determine their atmospheric composition, formation paths, rotation rates, and habitability.
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Callisto, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Callisto’s Atmosphere: First Evidence For H2 And Constraints On H2O
We explore the parameter space for the contribution to Callisto’s H corona observed by the Hubble Space Telescope (Roth et al. 2017a) from sublimated H2O and radiolytically produced H2 using […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Venus
Phosphine In The Venusian Atmosphere: A Strict Upper Limit From SOFIA GREAT Observations
The presence of phosphine (PH3) in the atmosphere of Venus was reported by Greaves et al. (2021a), based on observations of the J=1-0 transition at 267 GHz using ground-based, millimeter-wave […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
On The Role Of 40K In The Origin Of Terrestrial Life
The abundance and biological role of potassium suggest that its unstable nuclide was present in all stages of terrestrial biogenesis.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Space Weather & Heliophysics, TRAPPIST-1
3D Modelling Of The Impact Of Stellar Activity On Tidally Locked Terrestrial Exoplanets: Atmospheric Composition And Habitability
Stellar flares present challenges to the potential habitability of terrestrial planets orbiting M dwarf stars through inducing changes in the atmospheric composition and irradiating the planet’s surface in large amounts […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Press Release, Titan
Molecular Structure, Dynamics, and Vibrational Spectroscopy of the Acetylene:Ammonia (1:1) Plastic Co-Crystal at Titan Conditions
The Saturnian moon Titan has a thick, organic-rich atmosphere, and condensed phases of small organic molecules are anticipated to be stable on its surface.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Ground-based Optical Transmission Spectroscopy of the Nearby Terrestrial Exoplanet LTT 1445Ab
Nearby M dwarf systems currently offer the most favorable opportunities for spectroscopic investigations of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres.
Posted inAstrogeology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Impact events, Press Release
The Effect Of Collisional Erosion On The Composition Of Earth-analog Planets In Grand Tack models: Implications For The Formation Of The Earth
Impact-induced erosion of the Earth’s early crust during accretion of terrestrial bodies can significantly modify the primordial chemical composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE, that is, the composition of […]
Posted inPress Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics, TRAPPIST-1
Lower-than-expected Flare Temperatures For TRAPPIST-1
Although high energetic radiation from flares is a potential threat to exoplanet atmospheres and may lead to surface sterilization, it might also provide the extra energy for low-mass stars needed […]