To find life in the universe, it helps to know what it might look like. If there are organisms on other planets that do not rely wholly on photosynthesis — […]
University of Washington
Posted inAstrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones
Atmospheric Signs of Volcanic Activity Could Aid Search for Life
Planets with volcanic activity are considered better candidates for life than worlds without such heated internal goings-on. Now, graduate students at the University of Washington have found a way to […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Some Habitable Exoplanets Could Experience Wildly Unpredictable Climates
As telescopes of ever-greater power scan the cosmos looking for life, knowing where to look and where not to waste time looking will be of great value. New research by […]
Posted inFossils & Paleontology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Ancient Rocks Show Life Could Have Flourished on Earth 3.2 Billion Years Ago
A spark from a lightning bolt, interstellar dust, or a subsea volcano could have triggered the very first life on Earth. But what happened next? Life can exist without oxygen, […]
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, Habitable Zones, Press Release
Mirage Earth Exoplanets May Have Burned Away Chances for Life
Planets orbiting close to low-mass stars – easily the most common stars in the universe – are prime targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. But new research led by […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Companion Planets can Increase Old Worlds' Chance at Life
Having a companion in old age is good for people — and, it turns out, might extend the chance for life on certain Earth-sized planets in the cosmos as well. […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Fluctuating Orbital Tilt Does Not Preclude Possibility of Life
A fluctuating tilt in a planet’s orbit does not preclude the possibility of life, according to new research by astronomers at the University of Washington, Utah’s Weber State University and […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Habitable Zones
Dimer Molecules Aid Study of Exoplanet Pressure, Hunt for Life
Astronomers at the University of Washington have developed a new method of gauging the atmospheric pressure of exoplanets, or worlds beyond the solar system, by looking for a certain type […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets
Warmer Planetary Haven Around Cool Stars
In a bit of cosmic irony, planets orbiting cooler stars may be more likely to remain ice-free than planets around hotter stars. This is due to the interaction of a […]