Exoplanets : Science World Report

Jan 07, 2015 08:26 AM EST

Gemini Planet Imager Captures Stunning Observations of Planet Systems and Dusty Rings

Scientists are getting in some stunning exoplanet images and spectra from the first year of science operations with the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI). Now, researchers have shown these new images as the GPI continues its operations.

Jan 07, 2015 06:59 AM EST

Eight New 'Goldilocks' Planets Discovered, Including Alien Earth

Astronomers have discovered eight new planets in the "Goldilocks" zone of their stars, orbiting at a distance where it's neither too hot nor too cold and where liquid water can exist on the planet's surface.

Jan 06, 2015 11:38 AM EST

The Recipe for Alien Earths: Scientists Examine Earth-like Worlds

How to assemble Earth: Take elements, stir, and dash with water delivered by asteroids. Scientists are taking a closer look at how Earth-like planets are made in order to continue their hunt for exoplanets that have the likeliest chance at supporting life.

Jan 06, 2015 09:09 AM EST

Scientists Discover the True Age of Stars by Studying Their Spin

There may be a new way to tell the age of stars. As stars grow older, they slow down in terms of their spin. Now, astronomers are taking advantage of this fact to tackle stellar ages.

Jan 06, 2015 07:12 AM EST

Oceans Last for Billions of Years on Distant Super-Earth Exoplanets

Scientists have found out that oceans on super-Earths, once established, can actually last for billions of years, which may explain a bit more about our own planet.

Dec 18, 2014 01:17 PM EST

Kepler Spacecraft Continues to Hunt Alien Planets in Secondary Mission

Although the Kepler spacecraft's primary mission came to an end when the second of four reaction wheels used to stabilize the spacecraft failed, scientists have come up with an ingenious strategy to control Kepler and use it in a new mission.

Dec 15, 2014 10:33 AM EST

Stretched-Out Rocky Exoplanets are Detectable in Transit Events

Astronomers may soon discover rocky planets that have been stretched out by the gravity of the stars that they orbit. The new findings could reveal a bit more about these alien planets.

Dec 12, 2014 10:04 AM EST

Star Dust Debris May Reveal Origins of Life-Supporting Planets

When it comes to hunting for life on distant planets, narrowing down which planets may be most hospitable to life is crucial.

Dec 08, 2014 09:08 AM EST

Stardust May Not Block Alien Planets Near Sun-like Stars

It turns out that planet hunters may have an easier time of spotting exoplanets than they thought. Scientists have found that, on average, sun-like stars aren't all that dusty.

Dec 05, 2014 08:11 AM EST

Narrowing Down the Hunt for Infant Earths and Alien Life

Where should astronomers look for life on other planets? That's a good question. There are billions and billions of stars in the sky, so narrowing down the search is crucial for success. Now, scientists may have discovered where, and when, infant Earths are most likely to be found.

Dec 04, 2014 06:31 AM EST

Earth-like Exoplanets May Have Burned Away Their Chances at Cultivating Life

Exoplanets may have burned away their chances to cultivate life.

Dec 01, 2014 09:53 AM EST

Ground-Based Telescopes Sense Super-Earth and Future Exoplanets

There may be a new technique to remotely sense exoplanets. For the first time, scientists have measured the passing of a super-Earth in front of a bright, nearby sun-like star using a ground-based telescope.