In binary star systems, the winds from the two components impact each other, leading to strong shocks and regions of enhanced density and temperature. Potentially habitable circumbinary planets must continually […]
extrasolar
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Planetary Systems and the Formation of Habitable Planets
As part of a national scientific network ‘Pathways to Habitability’ the formation of planets and the delivery of water onto these planets is a key question as water is essential […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Twinkle on Fast-Track Mission to Unveil Exoplanet Atmospheres
A team of UK scientists and engineers have announced plans for a small satellite, named “Twinkle,” that will give radical new insights into the chemistry, formation and evolution of planets […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Scientists Predict Earth-like Planets Around Most Stars
Planetary scientists have calculated that there are hundreds of billions of Earth-like planets in our galaxy which might support life. The new research, led by PhD student Tim Bovaird and […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
KOI-3158: The Oldest Known System of Terrestrial-size Planets
The first discoveries of exoplanets around Sun-like stars have fueled efforts to find ever smaller worlds evocative of Earth and other terrestrial planets in the Solar System. While gas-giant planets […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Potentially Habitable Planets May Start As Neptune-like Worlds
Two phenomena known to inhibit the potential habitability of planets tidal forces and vigorous stellar activity might instead help chances for life on certain planets orbiting low-mass stars, University of […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Nearby M Star With Three Transiting Super-Earths Discovered by K2
Small, cool planets represent the typical end-products of planetary formation. Studying the architectures of these systems, measuring planet masses and radii, and observing these planets’ atmospheres during transit directly informs […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Extrasolar Planets Are More Hospitable to Life Than Previously Thought
A study by astrophysicists at the University of Toronto suggests that exoplanets – planets outside our solar system – are more likely to have liquid water and be more habitable […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Ammonia, Water Clouds and Methane Abundances of Giant Exoplanets and Opportunities for Super-Earth Exoplanets
Future direct-imaging exoplanet missions such as WFIRST/AFTA, Exo-C, and Exo-S will measure the reflectivity of exoplanets at visible wavelengths. The exoplanets to be observed will be located further away from […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Planet Formation in Post-common-envelope Binaries
To understand the evolution of planetary systems, it is important to investigate planets in highly evolved stellar systems, and to explore the implications of their observed properties with respect to […]