[USRA] Panspermia is the idea that life can originate on one planetary body and then be transferred to other bodies. Impacts are often the suggested method for transfer, as they […]
USRA
Posted inConferences and Meetings, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
Planetary Science Analysis and Assessment Group Support
Editor’s note: Earlier this year it was announced that NASA’s Planetary Science Division to cease financial support for planetary science Analysis/Assessment Groups (AGs), effective the end of April 2026. The following email […]
Posted inArtemis & Lunar Exploration, Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Away Teams & Field Reports, Career Opportunities, Comets and Asteroids, Courses, Mars, Meteorites & Asteroids, Moon, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Sample Return, Status Report
ETMA: Extraterrestrial Materials Academy
The Extraterrestrial Materials Academy (ETMA) is scheduled for June 8–August 15, 2026, at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, in partnership with the University of Houston–Clear Lake […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Comets and Asteroids, Conferences and Meetings, Icy Worlds, Status Report
Abstract Submission Deadline Extension Second Workshop on Ices in the Solar System
January 5–7, 2026Montreal, Canada
Posted inAstrogeology, Conferences and Meetings, Exploration Gear & Tech, Missions & Hardware, Status Report, Venus
Adjustment to Meeting Dates Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) Meeting
November 6–7, 2025Niagara Falls, New York
Posted inAI - Data - Apps - Cybernetics, Astronomy & Telescopes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release
Discovery of 69 New Exoplanets Using Machine Learning
In a groundbreaking achievement, a team of machine learning scientists and astronomers from Universities Space Research Association (USRA), the SETI Institute, and NASA discovered 69 new exoplanets using advanced machine […]
![The x and y axes are offsets in arcmin from the central map position; the z axis is velocity in km s−1. The emission starts at the 5σ level for both tracers. The bright star-forming cloud DR21 and other dense molecular clouds are embedded in a large-scale cloud structure only visible in [CII] (dark blue). An interactive version of these plots is found at https://astro.uni-koeln.de/stutzki/research/feedback/animations -- Nature Astronomy](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SOFIA.png?resize=1200%2C719&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
SOFIA Helps Complete Picture on Molecular Cloud Formation
Molecular clouds — clumps of gas and dust in space, where molecules form — make up the densest regions of the Milky Way, but how they assemble is largely unknown.
Posted inAstrogeology, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
A Window Into Prebiotic Worlds?
A perspective article published today in Science magazine’s Insights section provides a unique assessment of the study by Dustin Trail and Thomas McCollom contextualizing a new calibration they built to […]
Posted inGravitational Biology, Microgravity, Space Life Science, Space Physiology & Medicine
Artificial Gravity Partially Protects Space-Related Central Nervous System Deficits in Organisms
Space travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond can expose astronauts to extreme conditions, causing potential health issues. To prepare for future long-duration missions, a team of scientists from NASA […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Press Release
Stellar Pulsations Distribute Key Ingredient for Life
As Carl Sagan famously said, “We’re made of star stuff” — but how do stars distribute their essential “stuff” for life into space? NASA’s telescope on an airplane, SOFIA, is […]