The abundance of protoplanetary bodies ejected from their parent star system is presently poorly-constrained. With only two existing optical observations of interstellar objects in the 108−1010 kg mass range and […]
imaging
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 inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Using Photometrically-Derived Properties of Young Stars to Refine TESS’s Transiting Young Planet Survey Completeness
The demographics of young exoplanets can shed light onto their formation and evolution processes. Exoplanet properties are derived from the properties of their host stars.
Posted inAstrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Reflected Spectroscopy Of Small Exoplanets III: Probing The UV Band To Measure Biosignature Gasses
Direct-imaging observations of terrestrial exoplanets will enable their atmospheric characterization and habitability assessment. Considering the Earth, the key atmospheric signatures for the biosphere is O2 and the photochemical product O3.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Space Weather & Heliophysics, Status Report
The CARMENES Search For Exoplanets Around M Dwarfs. Behaviour Of The Paschen Lines During Flares And Quiescence
The hydrogen Paschen lines are known activity indicators, but studies of them in M~dwarfs during quiescence are as rare as their reports in flare studies. This situation is mostly caused […]
Posted inComets and Asteroids, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy of Comet Material in Aerogel
We report non-destructive 3-dimensional imaging and analysis techniques for material returned by the Stardust cometary collector.
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, TRAPPIST-1
Potential Atmospheric Compositions of TRAPPIST-1 c constrained by JWST/MIRI Observations At 15 μm
The first JWST observations of TRAPPIST-1 c showed a secondary eclipse depth of 421+/-94 ppm at 15 um, which is consistent with a bare rock surface or a thin, O2-dominated, […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
The Transient Outgassed Atmosphere of 55 Cancri e
The enigmatic nature of 55 Cancri e has defied theoretical explanation. Any explanation needs to account for the observed variability of its secondary eclipse depth, which is at times consistent […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, TRAPPIST-1, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Heating And Ionization By Non-thermal Electrons In The Upper Atmospheres Of Water-rich Exoplanets
Context. The long-term evolution of an atmosphere and the remote detectability of its chemical constituents are susceptible to how the atmospheric gas responds to stellar irradiation. The response remains poorly […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Physical Properties of Methanol (CH3OH) Ice As A Function of Temperature: Density, Infrared Band Strengths, and Crystallization
The presence of methanol among the common ice components in interstellar clouds and protostellar envelopes has been confirmed by the James Webb Space Telescope. Methanol is often detected in the […]