A new study by researchers at Cambridge University suggests that the giant exoplanet K2-18b – a mini-Neptune – may be more potentially habitable than previously thought. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/k2-18b-mini-neptune-exoplanets-habitability…
Tag: uranus
Moon sweeps past Pleiades and Aldebaran March 1 and 2
On March 1 and 2, 2020, the waxing moon is near the bright red star Aldebaran in Taurus the Bull, and the Pleiades star cluster. Dazzling Venus is nearby. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-in-taurus-and-above-venus-march-1-2…
Examining ice giants with NASA’s Webb telescope
Far-flung Uranus and Neptune—the ice giants of our solar system—are as mysterious as they are distant. Soon after its launch in 2021, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will change that by unlocking secrets of the atmospheres of both planets. Source: https://phys.org/news/2020-02-ice-giants-nasa-webb-telescope.html…
Moon and Venus close around February 27 and 28
These next few evenings – February 27 and 28, 2020 – watch for the crescent moon and the brilliant planet Venus to pair up on the sky’s dome. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-venus-adorn-western-sky-after-sunset…
This date in science: Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto
Ninety years ago on this date, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto. It was, until 2006, regarded as the ninth planet in our solar system. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/this-date-in-science-clyde-tombaugh-discoverer-of-pluto…
Why Neptune and Uranus are different
We think of Uranus and Neptune almost as twins. In some ways, they are very similar. But a new study by researchers at PlanetS explains why, in some aspects, they are also radically different. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/why-neptune-uranus-different-collisions…
Today in science: Launch of Explorer 1
Can you believe it’s been 62 years since the United States launched its 1st satellite? Explorer 1 advanced the space race between the US and the Soviet Union. It led to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/launch-of-explorer-1-jan-31-1958…
How to locate planet Uranus
Tonight’s waxing crescent moon shines close to Uranus. Learn how to locate the planet, using tonight’s moon location and these links to charts and other info. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-and-uranus-in-front-of-pisces…
Today in science: Voyager 2 met Uranus
Voyager 2 swept closest to Uranus on this day 34 years ago. During its visit, the spacecraft sent data that revealed 2 new planetary rings, 10 new moons, radiation belts, and a very unusual magnetic field. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/voyager-2-meets-uranus-jan-24-1986…
This white dwarf star has a giant, evaporating planet
White dwarf stars are typically more or less Earth-sized. The planet orbiting white dwarf WDJ0914+1914 appears to be at least twice as big as its star! High intensity radiation from its star is causing this planet to evaporate. Will the same thing happen in our solar system someday? Source: https://earthsky.org/space/evaporating-giant-exoplanet-white-dwarf-star…