Collaborate Disseminate
The first comet known to visit our Sun after being born around an alien star may also be the most pristine comet ever discovered, according to the results of a new study. The research sheds light on the distant solar system in which the wandering body,… Continue reading First known interstellar comet is most pristine ever discovered
A few years ago, astronomers discovered a bizarre object named ‘Oumuamua, which not only defied conventional classification but was the first thing found to be from another star system. Now, researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) have proposed a… Continue reading ‘Oumuamua likely a nitrogen iceberg from an “exo-Pluto” says new study
A new study has analyzed asteroid dust recently discovered in the Chicxulub asteroid crater. The findings further support the theory that the dramatic impact was the cause of the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Iridium levels of submerged crater support dinosaur extinction theory
A new study is questioning the origin of the body that smashed into Earth’s surface millions of years ago, causing a global extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. According to the research, the impactor may have originated from a massive sphere… Continue reading Dinosaur extinction may have resulted from death of “sungrazing” comet
The European Space Agency has selected Thales Alenia Space in the UK to lead a study for the planned mission to “ambush” a passing comet. Called Comet Interceptor, this cosmic brigand represents a new strategy for exploring comets fresh from the Oort c… Continue reading Mission to “ambush” pristine comet enters new study phase
Researchers have detected phosphorus on a comet – thereby completing the grocery list of elements that are essential for life. The discovery was made in data from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by the Rosetta probe a few years ago, strengthening the i… Continue reading Missing ingredient for life finally found on a comet
Scientists have discovered the second site at which ESA’s ill-fated Philae lander touched down on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and in so doing revealed that the ancient ice hidden under the surface of the comet is softer than the froth on a cappucc… Continue reading Philae’s second touchdown gouged out a skull-like face on comet 67P
A new study of the orbit of comets suggests that the plane of the ecliptic, where the Earth’s orbit rests, may not be the only major alignment in the solar system. By tracking the point where long-period comets are farthest from the Sun, Arika Higuchi,… Continue reading Comet orbits suggest a second major solar system alignment plane
A new study of the orbit of comets suggests that the plane of the ecliptic, where the Earth’s orbit rests, may not be the only major alignment in the solar system. By tracking the point where long-period comets are farthest from the Sun, Arika Higuchi,… Continue reading Comet orbits suggest a second major solar system alignment plane
Earth is a famously watery planet, but where exactly it all came from is a mystery. Now, researchers in Japan have suggested a new origin story, by showing that water – and petroleum – can form inside clouds of organic matter, at high temperatures and … Continue reading Interstellar organic matter might be a major source of Earth’s water