New Class of Exoplanet Could Accelerate Search for Life

New Class of Exoplanet Could Accelerate Search for Life

Hycean worlds have hydrogen-rich atmospheres and are covered in oceans, making them prime candidates for the search for life outside our own solar system. These worlds are also more numerous and easier to find than Earth-like exoplanets. Plus, an update on the search for Planet 9 and how volcanoes may provide a climate safety valve.

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NASA’s TESS Maps Symphony of Pulsating Red Giant Stars

NASA’s TESS Maps Symphony of Pulsating Red Giant Stars

NASA’s TESS spacecraft, which is primarily used to search for exoplanets, has now observed a veritable symphony of pulsating red giant stars, each with its own internal vibrations. This work was presented at this week’s TESS Science Conference. Plus, some more climate change news (bad) and superflares may be less harmful to exoplanets than thought (good).

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Two Neutron Star – Black Hole Mergers Detected

Two Neutron Star – Black Hole Mergers Detected

About 900 million miles away in two different galaxies, a black hole and a neutron star merged, and their gravitational waves have been detected here on Earth. These detections add another type of merger to the collection so far discovered. Plus, new composition data on Mars’ south polar cap and a look back at the Tunguska Event. #AsteroidDay

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