We live in a fascinating era in terms of astronomical knowledge. We now know with certainty that many other stars besides our own Sun have…
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Tag: exoplanets
How are exoplanets portrayed in science fiction?
We only recently determined that planets do in fact exist around other stars. The discovery of such “exoplanets” is of interest not just to science…
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Why might argon be an indicator of extraterrestrial life?
Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution, and possible distribution of life in the universe. One important aspect of astrobiology is the search for biosignatures and bioindicators.…
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How are cubesats advancing astrophysics?
Cubesats are becoming more common. In low Earth orbit, they are becoming so prevalent that concerns are arising about space debris and interference with Earth-based…
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White dwarfs’ exoplanets – what do we know about them?
A booming area of space science is the study of “exoplanets”, the term for planets outside our Solar System. Telescopes like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey…
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How did MESSENGER revolutionize our understanding of Mercury?
Mercury, one of Earth’s rocky neighbors, is one of our Solar System’s most enigmatic planets. It is notoriously difficult to study due to its close…
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What do we know about the TRAPPIST-1 system’s habitability?
The TRAPPIST-1 system is notable for having Earth-like planets that may be habitable. They are rocky and in the so-called “habitable zone” where water may…
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How does stars’ radioactivity affect the habitability of nearby planets?
Stars are dynamic entities. They emit radiation and charged particles that affect the planets that orbit them. This “space weather” is thus an important factor…
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What’s it like working as an astrobiologist?
Astrobiology is a relatively recent area of study that investigates the origin and evolution of life in the universe. Being an astrobiologist combines perspectives from…
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Mainstreaming SETI: ‘Oumuamua and Light-sails
Recently, an interstellar object named ‘Oumuamua entered our solar system. It was the first such observed object in recorded history. Scientists were thus already watching…
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