In the search for life across the cosmos, the familiar green hue we most associate with life on Earth may not be the best indicator. An Earth-like planet orbiting another […]
Cornell University
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Career Opportunities, Conferences and Meetings, Courses, Status Report
The Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) 2024 Call for Abstracts
The Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) is organized by graduate students for early career scientists who study the complex and diverse topics that astrobiology encompasses.
Posted inEnceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Press Release, Titan, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Ice Shell Thickness Reveals Water Temperature On Ocean Worlds
Cornell University astrobiologists have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells, effectively conducting oceanography from space.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Jurassic Worlds Might Be Easier To Spot Than Modern Earth
Things may not have ended well for dinosaurs on Earth, but Cornell University astronomers say the “light fingerprint” of the conditions that enabled them to emerge here provide a crucial […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extinction events, Impact events, Press Release
Cornell Fills Data Gap For Volcanic Ash Effects On Earth Systems
Volcanic ash is no ordinary dust: It gets injected into the atmosphere, climbs to the stratosphere, impacts climate, powders roadways and clogs jet engines.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
‘Thermometer’ Molecule Chromium Hydride Confirmed On Exoplanet WASP-31b
Chromium hydride (CrH), a molecule that’s relatively rare and particularly sensitive to temperature, is useful as a “thermometer for stars,” according to astronomer Laura Flagg, because it’s abundant only in […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release, TRAPPIST-1, Venus, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Exoplanet LP 890-9c May Reveal Secrets About The Edge Of Habitability
How close can a rocky planet be to a star, and still sustain water and life? A recently discovered exoplanet may be key to solving that mystery.
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Cryobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Away Team Tech: Icefin Diving Droid Provides An Unprecedented View Below The Antarctic Ice Shelf
High in a narrow, seawater-filled crevasse in the base of Antarctica’s largest ice shelf, cameras on the remotely operated Icefin underwater vehicle relayed a sudden change in scenery.
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: Better Tools Will Be Needed To Determine Evidence Of Ancient Life On Mars
Current state-of-the-art instrumentation being sent to Mars to collect and analyze evidence of life might not be sensitive enough to make accurate assessments, according to a research team co-led by […]