Cornell University astronomers have created five models representing key points from our planet’s evolution, like chemical snapshots through Earth’s own geologic epochs. The models will be spectral templates for astronomers […]
Cornell University
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release
Signs Of Life: New Field Guide Aids Astronomers' Search
A Cornell University senior has come up with a way to discern life on exoplanets loitering in other cosmic neighborhoods: a spectral field guide. Zifan Lin has developed high-resolution spectral […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Press Release
Fluorescent Glow May Reveal Hidden Life In The Cosmos
Astronomers have uncovered a new way of searching for life in the cosmos. Harsh ultraviolet radiation flares from red suns, once thought to destroy surface life on planets, might help […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Life Could Be Evolving Right Now on Nearest Exoplanets
Rocky, Earth-like planets orbiting our closest stars could host life, according to a new study that raises the excitement about exoplanets. When rocky, Earth-like planets were discovered orbiting in the […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Press Release
In The Hunt For Life, Astronomers Identify The Most Promising Stars
NASA’s new Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is designed to ferret out habitable exoplanets, but with hundreds of thousands of sunlike and smaller stars in its camera views, which of […]
Posted inExtremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Press Release
Rain Brings Death To Mars-like Atacama Desert
When rains fell on the arid Atacama Desert, it was reasonable to expect floral blooms to follow. Instead, the water brought death. An international team of planetary astrobiologists has found […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Press Release, Titan
New Titan Topographic Map
Using the now-complete Cassini data set, Cornell University astronomers have created a new global topographic map of Saturn’s moon Titan that has opened new windows into understanding its liquid flows […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Volcanic Hydrogen Spurs Chances of Finding Exoplanet Life
Hunting for habitable exoplanets now may be easier: Cornell University astronomers report that hydrogen pouring from volcanic sources on planets throughout the universe could improve the chances of locating life […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Press Release, Titan
Hydrogen Cyanide Linked To Potential Prebiotic Conditions on Titan
NASA’s Cassini and Huygen’s missions have provided a wealth of data about chemical elements found on Saturn’s moon Titan, and Cornell scientists have uncovered a chemical trail that suggests prebiotic […]
Posted inHabitable Zones, Impact events, Mars, Press Release
Ancient Tsunami Evidence on Mars Reveals Life Potential
The geologic shape of what were once shorelines through Mars’ northern plains convinces scientists that two large meteorites – hitting the planet millions of years apart – triggered a pair […]