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Astronomers confirm planet-mass objects in extragalactic systems

Astronomers are reporting the detection of extragalactic planet-mass objects in a second and third galaxy beyond the Milky Way after the first detection in 2018. With the existing observational resources, it is impossible to directly detect planet-mass objects beyond the Milky Way and to measure its rogue planetary population.

Dec 12th, 2019

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Revealing the physics of the sun with Parker Solar Probe

Nearly a year and a half into its mission, Parker Solar Probe has returned gigabytes of data on the Sun and its atmosphere. Following the release of the very first science from the mission, five researchers presented additional new findings from Parker Solar Probe.

Dec 12th, 2019

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Water common - yet scarce - in exoplanets

The most extensive survey of atmospheric chemical compositions of exoplanets to date has revealed trends that challenge current theories of planet formation and has implications for the search for water in the solar system and beyond.

Dec 11th, 2019

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How did supermassive black holes grow so fast?

Black holes in the early universe pose a bit of a problem. Based on observations from telescopes on Earth and in space, we know that some black holes grew to be a billion times the mass of the sun just one billion years after the Big Bang. Current models of black hole growth, however, can't explain this speed of growth.

Dec 10th, 2019

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How to build a 3D map of the universe - and why

Because we don't know what's pushing the universe outward ever more quickly, 'dark energy' is scientists' shorthand for the mysterious process. To understand the history of our universe, researchers are collaborating with scientists around the globe to build elaborate 3D maps of space and time.

Dec 7th, 2019

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Astronomers propose a novel method of finding atmospheres on rocky worlds

A team of astronomers proposes a new method of using Webb to determine whether a rocky exoplanet has an atmosphere. The technique, which involves measuring the planet's temperature as it passes behind its star and then comes back into view, is significantly faster than more traditional methods of atmospheric detection like transmission spectroscopy.

Dec 2nd, 2019

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