[Research Notes of the AAS] LHS 1140b, a rocky exoplanet in its host star’s habitable zone, was recently shown to have an escaping helium atmosphere.
biosignature
Posted inMars
Viking Science
[Astrobiology (Journal)] The Viking missions hosted identical payloads on each of two orbiters and landers. All four missions far exceeded their pre-planned operating times and science objectives, with all but […]
Posted inSETI & Technosignatures
Breakthrough Listen’s Automated Commensal Technosignature Survey With MeerKAT
[astro-ph.IM] The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is an ongoing effort to detect technosignatures, evidence of technologically capable life beyond Earth. Conducting a comprehensive SETI programme requires a large amount […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Detecting Habitable Exoplanet Atmospheres With LIFE, The Large Interferometer For Exoplanets
[astro-ph.IM] A key goal of astronomers with the next generation telescopes is to detect signs of life in exoplanet atmospheres. NASA’s next flagship is the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO).
![(A) Summary interpolation of the extent of bedrock geologic units based on in situ mapping. The width of the mapping corridor is ∼120 m. White dots are positions occupied during the traverse for which images are available for mapping. (B) Summary of interpreted stratigraphic relationships between identified lithologic units along the Jezero crater floor traverse (A and B adapted from Crumpler et al., 2023; Fig. 19). (C) Orbital image of Jezero crater floor with the path of the Perseverance overlaid in white. (D) Inset of the crater floor campaign, with all Máaz abrasion patches shown (Guillaumes, Montpezat, Bellegarde, and Alfalfa), and the OEB (Octavia E. Butler) landing site indicated. The Guillaumes and Alfalfa abrasions are highlighted, as they are the focus of this article (altered from NASA). -- [Astrobiology (journal)]](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-Possible-Aqueous.png?resize=1200%2C718&ssl=1)
Posted inMars
The Possible Aqueous Origins of Manganese Alteration Minerals in the Máaz Formation of Jezero Crater
[Astrobiology (journal)] Home to a lake around 4 billion years ago, Jezero Crater is a unique location to study the interplay between igneous processes and aqueous alteration on ancient Mars.
Posted inMars
The Viking’s 50 Year Landing Anniversary Astrobiology Special Collection: Reexamining the Revolutionary Impact of Viking on Mars Exploration
[ Astrobiology (Journal) ] The NASA Viking Program laid the framework for Mars science, technology, and exploration.
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Welcoming The Virtual Planetary Laboratory To Its New Home At The SETI Institute
[SETI Institute] The Virtual Planetary Laboratory (VPL), one of NASA’s flagship astrobiology research teams, has officially moved its institutional home to the SETI Institute. In 2026 the VPL will also […]
Posted inFossils & Paleontology
Where Was This Fossil 200 Million Years Ago?
[University of Barcelona] Calculating a fossil’s position throughout geological history is a complex process. In palaeontology and other disciplines, determining a location in the past is quite a challenge that […]
Posted inUncategorized
UKs Key Habitable Worlds Observatory Instrument In NASA’s Hunt For Earth-like Worlds
[Royal Astronomical Society] UK astronomers are a step closer to playing a leading role in NASA’s search for alien life in the coming decades, after receiving £3million to continue developing […]
![[SETI Institute] On the morning of July 20, 1976, roughly 40 minutes after mission controllers received word that the Viking 1 lander had successfully touched down on the surface of Mars, this photo gave us our first view from the surface of the Red Planet. NASA/JPL larger image](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/50-Years.png?resize=1200%2C460&ssl=1)
Posted inMars
50 Years After Viking 1: The Mission That Changed The Search For Life On Mars
[SETI Institute] For thousands of years, Mars has inspired myths, speculation and scientific curiosity. Fifty years ago today, humanity took a major step toward understanding our neighboring world when Viking […]