379 results
- Astronomy
Infant worlds carve gaps in planet-forming disk
A new image shows planets sweeping up gas and dust in a disk encircling the infant star HL Tau.
- Space
Exoplanet pair orbits two stars
The Kepler spacecraft catches two exoplanets around a binary star system, with one planet in the habitable zone.
- Planetary Science
Distant planets’ atmospheres revealed
Telescopes get first direct glimpse of gases on exoplanets.
- Astronomy
Astronomers explain planets’ backward motion
Giant planets in distant orbits may be reversing the direction of their closer-in neighbors.
- Astronomy
To determine stars’ physical traits, Kepler sees the light
Measuring stellar brightness can yield useful estimates of stars' size and evolutionary stage, and help in the hunt for planets.
- Tech
Reader favorites of 2013
For this issue, the editors selected the 25 most important and intriguing science stories of the year. But online readers seemed to point to a different bunch, showing just how subjective such an exercise can be.
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- Astronomy
Most Earthlike planets yet seen bring Kepler closer to its holy grail
Space telescope finds globes that, compared with our world, are slightly larger and orbit a smaller star.
- Space
Smallest planet found orbiting distant star
NASA’s Kepler space telescope snags an exoplanet tinier than Mercury.
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2012 International Astronomical Union General Assembly
Science News’ coverage of the IAU meeting held August 20-21 in Beijing.
- Space
Super-Earth joins ranks in life-supporting zone
The large exoplanet lies just 42 light-years away.
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Earth’s new neighbor looks familiar
Planet discovered in Alpha Centauri, just a few light-years away.
