[astro-ph.EP] Jupiter’s upper atmosphere provides a real-world laboratory for validating first-principles models of giant gaseous exoplanets and for constraining the key physical processes that govern them.
spectrscopy
![CN production versus heliocentric distance: Blue circles show VLT/X-shooter measurements of 3I/ATLAS (this work); the black solid and gray dashed curves are power–law fits to the 3I data only, giving Q(CN) ∝ r −9.38±1.2 h (weighted) and Q(CN) ∝ r −9.14±1.57 h (unweighted), respectively. Colored symbols compare with Solar–system comets compiled from the literature, grouped by dynamical class as in the legend; green squares mark measurements for 2I/Borisov. The left axis gives log10[Q(CN)/atoms s−1 ] and the bottom axis in log-scale the heliocentric distance rh (au). The right axis shows an approximate equilibrium surface temperature T(rh). Horizontal dashed lines indicate sublimation thresholds for CO, NH3, CO2, and H2O. Other comets references: Manfroid et al. (2021), Opitom et al. (2016), Opitom et al. (2017), Opitom et al. (2019), Fitzsimmons et al. (2019), Rauer et al. (2003) and S -- astro-ph.SR](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/VLT-Observations-Of-Interstellar.png?resize=1200%2C785&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
VLT Observations Of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS II. From quiescence To Glow: Dramatic Rise Of Ni I Emission And Incipient CN Outgassing At Large Heliocentric Distances
We report VLT spectroscopy of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1) from rh≃4.4 to 2.85 au using X-shooter (300-550 nm, R≃3000) and UVES (optical, R≃35k−80k).
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
VLT/MUSE Detection Of The AB Aurigae b Protoplanet With Ha Spectroscopy
We analyze high-contrast, medium-spectral-resolution Hα observations of the star AB Aurigae using the Very Large Telescope’s Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE).
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Comparative Biosignatures
The discovery of inhabited exoplanets hinges on identifying biosignature gases. JWST is revealing potential biosignatures in exoplanet atmospheres, though their presence is yet to provide strong evidence for life.
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Sample Return, Tricorders & Sensors
Fluorescent Caves Could Explain How Life Persists In Extraterrestrial Environments
Deep below Earth’s surface, rock and mineral formations lay hidden with a secret brilliance. Under a black light, the chemicals fossilized within shine in brilliant hues of pink, blue and […]
Posted inComets and Asteroids, Panspermia, Status Report
He Awa Whiria: The Tidal Streams of Interstellar Objects
Upcoming surveys are likely to discover a new sample of interstellar objects (ISOs) within the Solar System, but questions remain about the origin and distribution of this population within the […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Ultra-dense Super-Earth With An Outer Companion Offers Clues About Its Formation
An international team led by researchers in Japan and Europe has discovered a new multi-planet system around a Sun-like star, including an ultra-short period planet with one of the highest […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release, Stellar Cartography
How Sweet Is the Milky Way? UM Astrochemist Is Helping Find Out
Astrochemist Ryan Fortenberry, UM associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, collaborated with Ralf Kaiser, of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, to study the creation of a simple sugar acid […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Q-band Line Survey Observations Toward A Carbon-chain-rich Clump In The Serpens South Region
We have conducted Q-band (30 GHz − 50 GHz) line survey observations toward a carbon-chain emission peak in the Serpens South cluster-forming region with the extended Q-band (eQ) receiver installed […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Ab Initio Calculations For Astrochemistry
Computational chemistry plays a relevant role in many astrochemical research fields, either by complementing experimental measurements or by deriving parameters difficult to be reproduced by laboratories.