Posts by 

Paul Scott Anderson

Speediest exoplanet found near Milky Way center?

Astronomers have discovered what might be the speediest exoplanet system found so far. It moves at 1.2 million miles per hour (1.9 km per hour).

Signs of life on Enceladus might remain hidden in its ocean

If there is any life on Enceladus, traces of it might remain hidden in ocean layers that prevent it from reaching the surface, a new study suggests.

Are grooves on Uranus’ moon Ariel evidence for an ocean?

Deep trenches are the likely source of carbon on the surface of Uranus' moon Ariel and might be connected to a subsurface ocean, a new study suggests.

Possible smallest exoplanet found … and it orbits a pulsar

Astronomers in Europe said they have discovered what might be the smallest exoplanet found so far. If real, it is smaller than our moon and orbits a pulsar.

Asteroid Bennu reveals conditions for life, but with twist

Samples from asteroid Bennu brought back to Earth in 2023 contain molecular building blocks for life, evidence of ancient salty water, and something mysterious.

Using exploding white dwarfs to measure the universe

The Rubin Observatory will find millions of exploding white dwarfs, or Type Ia supernovae. Astronomers can use them to measure the universe and dark energy.

A super-Venus exoplanet (with a watery name)

Astronomers thought that exoplanet GJ 1214 b was either a watery super-Earth or a mini-Neptune. But a new study says it is more like a super-Venus exoplanet.

New images of exocomet belts around 74 nearby stars

The new REASONS survey has found exocomet belts around 74 nearby stars. The images reveal a wide variety of comet belt appearances and ages. Find out more.

Lakes on Mars had ripples! They must have been ice-free

At least some ancient lakes on Mars were ice-free. NASA's Curiosity rover discovered evidence for small wind-blown ripples on the former lakes in Gale crater.

Pandora exoplanet telescope to launch in late 2025

The spacecraft bus for the Pandora exoplanet telescope has been complete. Pandora will analyze atmospheres of at least 20 exoplanets after its 2025 launch.