Space
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Space
Herschel telescope unveils icy debris ringing sunlike stars
New infrared images may reveal analogues of the solar system’s Kuiper belt.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Matter beats out antimatter in experimental echo of creation
A larger-than-expected imbalance could presage major physics breakthroughs.
By Ron Cowen - Planetary Science
Martian moon probably pretty porous
Phobos may be a mass of rocky rubble, not a captured asteroid.
By Sid Perkins - Space
Planets in nearby system are off-kilter, measurements show
New observations shatter the notion that other planetary systems have the same flattened, disclike arrangement of orbits that rings the sun.
By Ron Cowen - Earth
Gravity lows mark burial sites of ancient tectonic plates
Dips in Earth's gravitational field are tied to 'slab graveyards'
By Sid Perkins - Astronomy
Fast-moving star is a really big loser
The cosmic bullies that sent 30 Doradus 016 reeling must be even bigger, possibly upping the theoretical maximum heft of today’s stars.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Asteroid-bound: Scientists look for worthy rock
Scientists consider how to pick a prime asteroid for human exploration
- Space
New Hubble pictures suggest Milky Way fell together
A preliminary analysis appears to strike a blow against the prevailing theory of galaxy formation.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Measuring the weakest of forces
Precise measurements could be used to map tiny fluctuations in the surface properties of materials.
- Space
Mediterranean microfossils offer hope for finding life on Mars
A discovery in sulfate minerals on Earth suggests the possibility of similar signs of life on the Red Planet.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Frozen asteroid
Scientists publish two new studies showing evidence of ice on object in asteroid belt.
By Ron Cowen - Space
Life in the sticky lane
Tropical asphalt lake could be analog for extraterrestrial microbial habitat.