Newly discovered Earth-sized planet may lack an atmosphere
Circling a cold, Jupiter-sized star, the new world could offer an unobstructed view of its surface composition and history.
Circling a cold, Jupiter-sized star, the new world could offer an unobstructed view of its surface composition and history.
The new world is the second-lightest planet discovered to date.
A low carbon abundance in planetary atmospheres, which the James Webb Space Telescope can detect, could be a signature of habitability.
The frosty gas giant was discovered in a system that also hosts a warm Jupiter.
Astronomers discover the last three planets the Kepler telescope observed before going dark.
Earth will meet a similar fate in 5 billion years.
The fellowship supports research contributing to the field of planetary science and astronomy.
George Ricker and his team at the MIT Kavli Institute are mapping the entire sky for signs of life.
Those selected for these positions receive additional support to pursue their research and develop their careers.
Scientists have confirmed that a “stabilizing feedback” on 100,000-year timescales keeps global temperatures in check.
“The Hunt for Planet B” follows Seager and others on their search for extraterrestrial life; three other nominated films feature MIT affiliates.
Refining current opacity models will be key to unearthing details of exoplanet properties — and signs of life — in data from the powerful new telescope.
Just 33 light-years from Earth, the system appears to host two rocky, Earth-sized planets.
The fellowship supports research contributing to the field of planetary science and astronomy.
Among thousands of known exoplanets, MIT astronomers flag three that are actually stars.