Exoplanets
General relativity may preserve habitable planets around white dwarfs
A new study suggests that Einstein's general relativity could prevent tidal heating from destabilizing rocky planets in the tight habitable zones of white dwarfs. Researchers found that orbital precession caused by the theory's effects might decouple inner planets from larger companions, allowing life to persist for trillions of years. This challenges prior models that predicted runaway greenhouse effects on such worlds.
Stratospheric microbes' pigments could detect life on exoplanets
Scientists have measured the colors of microbes living high in Earth's atmosphere, revealing pigments that protect against UV light. These findings suggest that similar biosignatures in exoplanet clouds could indicate alien life. The research provides reference spectra for future astronomical observations.
Astronomers begin study of eccentric warm Jupiters
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A three-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation is underway to uncover the origins of eccentric warm Jupiters, massive gas giants with elongated orbits around their stars. Led by an astronomer at Northern Arizona University, the study aims to explain why these planets align precisely with their stars' equators despite their unusual paths. The findings could reshape understanding of planet formation, including our own solar system.
James Webb telescope detects carbon-rich disk around young exoplanet
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has observed a carbon-rich disk surrounding the exoplanet CT Cha b, 625 light-years from Earth, potentially serving as a moon factory. The disk, separate from the star's own disk, offers insights into early planet and moon formation. The young star system is just 2 million years old.