Latest discoveries in space exploration, NASA missions, SpaceX launches, astronomical research, cosmic phenomena, and breakthroughs from leading scientists.
Astronomers have confirmed an atmosphere around Earth-like exoplanet LHS 1140 b, 49 light years away, marking the first direct detection of an atmosphere on a rocky planet in the habitable zone. The planet, with 5.6 times Earth's mass, orbits a red dwarf in Cetus and could support liquid water.
This commentary explores the factors that determine the maximum possible duration of a total solar eclipse, such as the moon's distance from Earth and the observer's latitude. It argues that while the upcoming 2026 eclipse will be brief, longer eclipses are possible under optimal conditions, blending scientific explanation with personal reflection on the emotional impact of witnessing totality.
New images from the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter show dark sand dunes in Kaiser Crater that appear metallic due to seasonal frost and lighting. The dunes are made of basaltic sand rich in volcanic minerals, not iron-oxide dust, and tower over 100 meters high.
Chinese scientists discovered that early-stage human reproductive cells grow and develop worse in space than on Earth. The success rate of generating precursor germ cells dropped by half, and early sperm-producing cells multiplied over 25% more slowly. The study, published in Science Advances, used data from Tianzhou cargo missions.
This commentary argues that total solar eclipses remain scientifically valuable despite advanced space-based solar observatories. It contends that eclipses provide low-cost, accessible opportunities for novel research, citing examples like balloon projects and high-altitude aircraft studies that can observe atmospheric and solar phenomena with minimal funding barriers.
Astronomers have discovered a rare pair of improbably light 'super-puff' planets. The finding, reported by The New York Times, adds to the growing catalog of unusual exoplanets.
This article provides a guide to viewing the partial solar eclipse in the UK on 12 August, highlighting best locations and safety tips. It argues that the event is a rare opportunity, with up to 95% coverage in Cornwall, and emphasizes the importance of proper eye protection.
A study in Nature reports helium escaping from the atmosphere of an exoplanet orbiting star LHS 1140, 50 light-years away. The loss rate reveals details about the planet's remaining atmosphere, which was likely once dominated by hydrogen and helium.
This commentary reports on a recent search for artificial radio signals from exoplanet K2-18b, which found no evidence of alien technology. It argues that the study's value lies in demonstrating a new method for technosignature searches and integrating them with broader astrobiology efforts, rather than in a definitive negative result.
NASA scientists identified 1998 SH2 as a comet based on irregular motion from outgassing, published in Nature Astronomy. The object, initially classified as an asteroid in 1998, passed within 2 million miles of Earth on August 28, 2025.