Could “iron snow” fuel life in Europa’s ocean?
Scientists calculated that microorganisms breathing iron oxide “snow” could produce enough energy to survive on Jupiter's icy moon…
Category: What is out in space?
What is matter and dark matter? What kinds of things happen in space? What do we know about the physics in space?
The universe’s dust is on the decline
Astronomers found the density of dust in the universe has been steadily decreasing for the last 10 billion years, as it coalesced to form…
Microgravity weakens our immune system
Researchers found the immune cells of volunteers kept in simulated microgravity were slower to activate and fight infection.
What causes decompression sickness in astronauts?
Scientists found tracers for inflammation and traumatic brain damage in people who climbed to high altitudes mimicking the low pressure…
DART collision alters path of a near-Earth asteroid
Scientists tested planetary defense technology by slamming a spacecraft into an asteroid in an attempt to alter its course. They used…
Creating a cosmic family tree
Astronomers traced the genealogy of a kilonova explosion by using models to find its most likely parent stars.
How to spot colorful life on icy exoplanets
In recent decades, astronomers have discovered more than 5000 planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system, with nearly 9000 more…
When life detoxifies itself, it leaves behind a helpful sign
Scientists found that a methylated gas produced by life as a waste product of detoxification could serve as a remotely observable sign of…
How do we choose which planets to search for life?
Scientists used computer models to determine how likely a planet is to be habitable by its age, size, and distance from its sun.
Why did a bunch of asteroids hit the Earth billions of years ago?
The first cells of life on Earth had a lot to contend with. Conditions were harsh and unpredictable. The air was thick with volcanic gases.…