Posts by 

Paul Scott Anderson

Keck Planet Finder begins search for other Earths

The Keck Planet Finder instrument on the Keck 1 Telescope in Hawaii has achieved 1st light. It will search for habitable Earth-sized planets around other stars.

If we find life beyond Earth, how will we respond?

Will we find life beyond Earth? The new SETI Post-Detection Hub research initiative wants humanity to be ready, if and when it ever happens.

Closest black hole is in our cosmic backyard

Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii have discovered the closest black hole yet to Earth. It is 1,600 light-years away.

Ancient ocean on Mars confirmed?

Scientists say they have confirmed an ancient ocean on Mars. The study uses new topographical maps that reveal traces of the shoreline that once existed.

Is Mars volcanically active?

Is Mars volcanically active? An international team of scientists says data from NASA's InSight lander suggests it is, below its surface.

Did life on Mars cause its own extinction?

Life on Mars may have initially thrived early on, but then ultimately caused its own extinction, a new study from researchers in the U.S. and France says.

Crash landing on Mars … on purpose

NASA has successfully tested a new Mars lander concept called SHIELD, which is specifically designed for intentionally crash landing on Mars.

Was Mars a blue water world before Earth?

Researchers say that early Mars likely had a thick hydrogen atmosphere that allowed water to exist for millions of years, even before Earth had oceans.

Secrets of Saturn’s rings revealed by the sun

A new study uses solar occultation data from NASA's Cassini mission to better understand the composition, formation and other secrets of Saturn's rings.

Liquid water on Mars beneath polar ice?

Is there liquid water on Mars? A new international study supports the initial reported discovery in 2018 of water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap.