exoplanet
Astronomers Find Evidence of a Planet Outside Our Galaxy for the First Time
The possible Saturn-sized planet was detected in the galaxy Messier 51, 28 million light-years from Earth, making it the most distant exoplanet ever found.
Universe May Be Full of Earth-like Exoplanets
Geochemistry study suggests the interiors of some exoplanets are very similar to that of Earth.
K2-18b: Super-Earth in 'Habitable Zone' Has Water Vapor in Its Atmosphere
The exoplanet is 110 light-years from Earth and was discovered by NASA's Kepler spacecraft in 2015.
Edscottite: Mineral Never Seen in Nature Before Discovered Inside Meteorite
U.S. scientists found the iron meteorite—first discovered in the 1950s—contained a mineral that normally forms through the smelting of iron.
Enormous Planet With Weird Orbit Is Unlike Anything Ever Discovered Before
The planet, HR 5183 b, is three times the size of Jupiter and slingshots around its star along an egg-shaped orbit.
Super Freezing Super-Earth Discovered in Nearby Galaxy
The exoplanet orbits a star that sits just six light-years away from Earth.
Astronomers Detect Giant Rogue Planet Floating Nearby
The enormous object sits just 20 light-years from Earth.
Earth-Like Exoplanet May Have Seasons, Stable Climate
A stable climate could be key to hosting life.
Three New Alien Planets the Size of Earth Discovered
A year on these planets flies by, lasting between five and 10 Earth days.
Having Two Or Three Suns Doesn't Hurt Exoplanets
We think of stars as individual things, but that's not really the case—only a slim majority of solar systems in the universe contain just one star.
An Alien Planet's Tilt Could Kill Life
Terrestrial life is intimately influenced by the tilt of Earth's axis, so it shouldn't surprise us if the same is true elsewhere.
Astronomers Photograph 'Toddler Planet'
The object is more than 200 times farther away from its stars than Earth is from the sun.
Astronomers Find First-Ever Cloudless Exoplanet
Clouds can't form in the atmosphere of WASP-96b.
NASA Satellite TESS to Launch with Children's Drawings
NASA asked kids to submit their depictions of exoplanets for the satellite's launch.
This Newly Found Exoplanet May Have Water
The distant planet may have an ideal temperature for liquid water.
Kepler Scientists Discovered 95 New Exoplanets
The treasure trove joins thousands of other exoplanets previously discovered.
Dark Energy Mystery May Stay Unsolved Under NASA Budget
NASA's 2019 budget proposal calls for the telescope to be canceled "due to its significant cost and higher priorities within NASA."
Clashing Chemicals Might Identify Distant Alien Life
(Methane + carbon dioxide) - carbon monoxide = aliens?
'Hot Jupiter' Exoplanet Has Strange Winds
The strange planet upends current theories about these distant worlds.
2017 Was the Year To Believe In UFOs, Life Beyond Earth
Scientists didn't find aliens in 2017, but here's what they did find.
Deadly Pulsar Could Still Support Planetary Life
Super-thick atmospheres could be enough to cocoon planets from the rough neighborhood of these stars.
Fingerprint for Alien Life May Be Hiding in Earth's Air
A key version of an element could be a sign of life elsewhere.
New Super-Earths Could Harbor Alien Life
Scientists were investigating K2-18b when they came across another planet hiding behind it.
Brand New Alien-Hunting Telescope ESPRESSO Is Running
The device will look for stars like our own sun and examine planets similar to Earth.
"Death Planet" Atmosphere Mostly Carbon Monoxide
It's unlike anything else scientists have seen.
You Can Help Search Earth's Deserts for Alien-Like Life
It's easier to study planets that are closer to their suns, but how close can you get before it becomes too hot and dry for life to survive?
Bizarre Lava-Covered Planet's Air Could Support Life
But don't book your tickets yet—this place is definitely too hot to handle.
Alien Planet Virtual Reality Takes You Far, Far Away
Whether you're looking for a tropical getaway or a chance to sit by the ocean, this project has you covered.
Potentially Habitable Alien Planet Hurtling Toward Us
It even orbits a star that doesn't spit out deadly rays on a regular basis—cozy!
A Giant Exoplanet Is Hiding at the Center of Our Galaxy
It's about the size of 13 Jupiters smooshed together, which means that for a planet, it's really, really big.