Moon-Forming Protoplanet Theia Originated from Inner Solar System, New Research Suggests
The Moon formed from a giant impact of the proto-Earth with the ancient protoplanet Theia. In a new…
4.6 billion years ago, Jupiter saved Earth during its formation
When the solar system formed about 4.6 billion years ago, a gigantic cloud of dust and gas collapsed…
Astronomical data collection of Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 reveals over 100 different molecules | MIT News
MIT researchers recently studied a region of space called the Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 (TMC-1) and discovered more than…
ALMA Detects Heavy Water in Planet-Forming Disk around Distant Protostar
Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have detected doubly deuterated water (D2O), or ‘heavy water,’ in…
3I/ATLAS-Like Interstellar Objects Could Kick Start Planet Formation around High-Mass Stars
The discovery of 1I/Oumuamua, 2I/Borisov and 3I/ATLAS showed that significant numbers of interstellar objects populate interstellar space. Their…
Astronomers Capture First-Ever Photo of a Baby Planet Being Born in Darkness
In this artist’s illustration, infalling hydrogen gas causes the growing protoplanet WISPIT 2b to shine brightly in the…
Mysterious “Soot Planets” May Be Hiding in Plain Sight Among the Stars
Artist’s depiction of a “soot planet” and its formation process. Credit: Ari Gea/SayoStudio Some planets may be soot-rich…
JWST Detects Puzzling Absence of Water in Strange Planet-Forming Disk
A newly observed planet-forming disk, unexpectedly rich in carbon dioxide instead of water, is challenging long-held ideas about…
InSight Mission Discovers Chaotic Structure Hidden Inside Mars
Illustration of ancient Mars being struck by a gigantic space rock, triggering massive melting and mixing deep inside…