Posts by 

Paul Scott Anderson

An Alpha Centauri planet? Astronomers make a leap

Do rocky planets - resembling Earth - orbit in the Alpha Centauri star system? A new study predicts what these as-yet-unknown planets might be like.

Searching for life as we don’t know it

Searching for life: Could alien life be based on exotic biochemistries unlike Earth's? New research into universal biology and "life as we don't it" says yes.

Nightside winds offer clues to Venus’ greenhouse

Scientists have made the most detailed observations of Venus' equatorial nightside winds, which are connected to the planet's runaway greenhouse effect.

Could ‘epsilon machines’ help us find alien life?

Researchers say they have devised a new way of searching for extraterrestrial life on exoplanets using arithmetic-based algorithms called epsilon machines.

3rd possible planet found orbiting nearest star

Astronomers say they have discovered a 3rd possible planet orbiting the closest star to our sun, Proxima Centauri. It is only about 1/4 of Earth's mass.

A habitable zone planet for a dead star?

A possible habitable zone planet may be orbiting the white dwarf star WD1054–226. Weird, evenly spaced clouds of debris hint at its existence.

1st wandering black hole found in Milky Way

For the 1st time ever, astronomers say they have found a solitary, wandering black hole in our galaxy. It is estimated to be 7.1 times the mass of the sun.

Earth’s oxygen provides new clues to alien life

Scientists announced new findings about when Earth's oxygen 1st increased in the atmosphere. The results will help scientists search for life on other worlds.

Polar lakes on Mars? 2 new studies add to debate

Are there really polar lakes on Mars, under the ice? Two new studies, one pro and one con, add to the debate.

Purple rocks on Mars intrigue scientists

NASA's Perseverance rover has found rocks with odd purple-colored coatings on them. What are these purple rocks on Mars? Could they be signs of microbial life?