After a successful nine-year run, NASA’s Kepler mission came to an end in 2018. During its operation, the space telescope made groundbreaking discoveries, detecting thousands of exoplanets. One notable find is the Kepler 385 planetary system, situated approximately 4,670 light-years away. This system has captivated exoplanet scientists since its initial confirmation in 2014, and now,
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When it comes to exoplanets, astronomers have made significant findings in recent years. From discovering exoplanets orbiting distant stars to identifying rocky debris disks around white dwarf stars, our understanding of the cosmos continues to evolve. However, one question still lingers: Are there terrestrial, Earth-like planets orbiting white dwarfs? In this article, we dive deep
Approximately 4.5 billion years ago, Earth experienced a colossal collision with a Mars-sized celestial body known as Theia. This impact was responsible for the formation of the Moon, but new evidence suggests that remnants of Theia are not only present in the Moon but also within Earth itself. This discovery challenges the conventional view of
Jupiter, the colossal giant of our solar system, may not be an inviting place for humans, but its magnificent and tempestuous nature never fails to astonish us. Beyond its enormous size and the storms that could engulf our entire planet, the swirling cloud formations on Jupiter often take on eerie and unnerving shapes. Recently, NASA’s
In July of this year, planet Earth narrowly escaped a potentially catastrophic event when a sizable asteroid, measuring approximately 30 to 60 meters in diameter, passed within one-quarter of the distance between the Earth and the Moon. Had it collided with our planet, the resulting impact would have been three times more powerful than the
When pondering the vastness of the universe, questions about its origins and how it came to be are seemingly unending. Astronomers around the world have dedicated their lives to finding answers to these profound questions. With the largest project of its kind ever undertaken, the FLAMINGO simulations, scientists aim to unlock the secrets of the
Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, has long fascinated scientists and space enthusiasts alike. While its dusty exterior may give the impression of a barren and unchanging world, recent seismic data collected by the Mars InSight lander has shed light on the surprising composition of Mars’s interior. Unlike any other planet besides Earth,
NASA is facing a significant challenge in opening the container that holds the precious sample of asteroid dirt from Bennu. The Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) container was sealed too well, posing difficulties for scientists. The TAGSAM needs to be opened in a specially designed glovebox to prevent contamination from Earth. This pristine sample is
Jupiter, the second-largest object in the entire Solar System, continues to astound scientists with its mysterious and dynamic atmosphere. Despite numerous probes sent to study the giant planet, researchers are continuously uncovering never-before-seen features in its tempestuous clouds. In a surprising turn of events, astronomers using the powerful infrared James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have
If there’s a man in the Moon, as the old beliefs go, he’s a pretty venerable one. Earth’s lunar companion is thought to have formed not long after the planet itself, some 4.4 billion years or so ago, when the Solar System was young. It was then, according to theory, that a Mars-sized object smacked
The search for Planet Nine has become a tantalizing puzzle for astronomers. Nestled somewhere beyond Pluto’s orbit, this hypothetical planet has managed to elude our detection efforts. Its existence is shrouded in darkness, coldness, and vast distances, making it a formidable challenge to find. Moreover, our understanding of its precise location remains vague, with only
Astounding scientific advancements have given us a glimpse into the vastness of outer space. However, as our knowledge grows, so does our realization of the potential dangers lurking in the skies above. NASA, a prominent authority in space exploration, has taken up the challenging task of planetary defense. One of their crucial objectives is to