Latest Content
Will opacities be the next accuracy bottleneck in exoplanet retrieval?
The limits of our knowledge on light–matter interactions will affect the exploration of exoplanetary atmospheres. Accounting for these limits will prevent biased claims. Guided improvements will ensure maximum return on investment from the next-generation observatories, including the JWST.
New Mechanism of Cross-scale Energy Transfer in Space Plasmas
Identifying energy transfer processes from macroscales down to microscales in collisionless plasmas is an indispensable step towards a complete understanding of various space and astrophysical systems. Here we demonstrate with observations that cross-scale wave-ion interactions are a candidate.
Volatiles supplied by icy volcanism on Charon and other distant icy worlds
NASA's New Horizons data revealed a geologically complex past on Charon. Here, we show cryovolcanic eruptions released enough methane to source Charon's red polar cap. We observe methane and their products on other Kuiper belt objects, so this process could be important across the Kuiper belt.
The implications of the contamination of Arctic ice samples to future space missions to Europa and Enceladus
We developed a protocol that may be used to monitor and minimise the microbiological contamination of planetary field analogues of icy moons in their analysis. It may serve as a test-bed for procedures of decontamination of samples from future landing/return missions to icy moons.
Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows.
Will opacities be the next accuracy bottleneck in exoplanet retrieval?
The limits of our knowledge on light–matter interactions will affect the exploration of exoplanetary atmospheres. Accounting for these limits will prevent biased claims. Guided improvements will ensure maximum return on investment from the next-generation observatories, including the JWST.
New Mechanism of Cross-scale Energy Transfer in Space Plasmas
Identifying energy transfer processes from macroscales down to microscales in collisionless plasmas is an indispensable step towards a complete understanding of various space and astrophysical systems. Here we demonstrate with observations that cross-scale wave-ion interactions are a candidate.
From the Editors
Updates and insights from the astronomy and planetary science Editors.
Journal Club
Highlights and reviews of the latest astronomy and planetary science research.
Phosphine Gas Detected on Venus
Phosphine is a gas that shouldn't be produced or survive in a rocky oxidized planet atmosphere. On Earth phosphine gas is only associated with life.
Written by Sara Seager and Janusz Petkowski.
On the Road
Updates from conferences, field work, lab visits, and vacations around the world.
