For centuries, the Solar System has revealed its secrets gradually, yielding new planets, moons, and asteroids to the patient observer and the diligent theorist. Yet even in the 21st century, with robotic eyes combing the heavens and telescopes probing distant stars, our own cosmic backyard may still harbour a giant secret. Planet Nine – a … Read more
While K2-18b continues to intrigue scientists and the public alike with the possible detection of biologically relevant sulphur compounds such as DMS and DMDS, any serious interpretation must begin not with biosignatures, but with a clear understanding of how such a planet might evolve. This article explores several credible evolutionary routes for K2-18b, offering a … Read more
The recent announcement from Cambridge researchers that dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) have been detected in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18b to a significance of three sigma has reignited intense speculation about alien life. This detection, derived from the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) MIRI instrument, has made headlines across science news … Read more
No space agencies. No photos from orbit. Just you, the Sun, and a couple of friends. There’s been a rise in people claiming the Earth is flat, that it’s all a lie, and that organisations like NASA are part of a global conspiracy. Some of these people are trolls chasing clicks, Others may simply have … Read more
Earth-like planet predictor: A machine learning approach. Jeanne Davoult, Romain Eltschinger, and Yann Alibert This article embarks on a journey into a little‐explored sector of astrophysics, delving into the analysis of deep astronomical data to reveal the hidden populations that contribute to the cosmic infrared background. Using advanced data‐analysis techniques and innovative observational strategies, the study … Read more
In a groundbreaking two-part study, astronomers have leveraged the Herschel Space Observatory’s SPIRE instrument to produce the deepest-ever image of the sky in the far-infrared to submillimetre range. This investigation, focused on the so-called SPIRE Dark Field near the North Ecliptic Pole, not only mapped an exceptionally quiet patch of sky but also pushed the … Read more
A Unified Framework for Early Quasar Activity, Cosmic Reionisation, and the Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry ©James Franklin 2025: DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13261.76000 Abstract We propose a novel cosmological model in which the apparent absence of antimatter, the rapid emergence of supermassive black holes (SMBHs), and the intense early quasar activity are interconnected phenomena. In this framework, we propose that equal … Read more
Within a given chemosystem, the laws of physics and chemistry would likely drive life toward the most efficient pathways and structures, meaning that even if multiple options exist initially, natural selection would favor the best-adapted solutions. This has major implications for understanding the universality of biochemistry and for astrobiology—it suggests that alien life, while perhaps … Read more
Planet Formation: Unravelling the Mysteries of Our Cosmic Origins Understanding how planets form is fundamental to astronomy, as it not only sheds light on the origins of our own Solar System but also informs the search for life beyond Earth. Recent decades have seen remarkable advances in our understanding, driven by new theories, improved telescopes, … Read more
Planet formation is a complex and multi-faceted process occurring within protoplanetary disks that surround young stars. Several theories have been proposed to explain how planets emerge from these disks, with the most widely accepted models being the core accretion model and the gravitational instability model. Recent advancements in observational astronomy and computational modelling have refined … Read more
Introduction There is a Youtube video by Anton Petrov at the end of this article ( I have also added a couple of his other videos on other discoveries about simple organisms) with an important update on how some simple organisms are rewqriting what we thought we knew and giving clues as to how cells, … Read more
Citation – “The Roasting Marshmallows Program with IGRINS on Gemini South. II. WASP-121 b has Superstellar C/O and Refractory-to-volatile Ratios“ Peter C. B. Smith et al 2024 AJ 168 293 The study focuses on WASP-121b, a famous ultra hot Jupiter, using the IGRINS instrument on the Gemini South telescope. The goal is to understand the planet’s atmospheric composition and what … Read more
“An evaporite sequence from ancient brine recorded in Bennu samples”. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08495-6 In a groundbreaking study published in Nature on January 29, 2025, scientists have unveiled remarkable findings from samples collected from the asteroid Bennu. These samples provide unprecedented insights into the early solar system’s chemistry and the potential origins of life on Earth. … Read more
Citation: Smith, J. et al. (2025). “Characterising Exoplanetary Atmospheres: Insights from Recent Observations.” Astronomy & Astrophysics, 625, A1. In the ever-evolving field of astronomy, the study of exoplanets, planets orbiting stars beyond our Solar System, has captivated scientists, enthusiasts and the general public alike. A recent publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics sheds light on the complex atmospheres … Read more
Astronomers have identified a new type of celestial event that challenges traditional understanding of white dwarf stars and their explosive behaviour. Dubbed “millinovae,” these phenomena are faint but fascinating, marking an exciting addition to the family of stellar explosions. What Are Millinovae? Millinovae are transient events occurring in binary star systems where a white dwarf—a … Read more
In a new Paper, published in Nature, published on 22 Jan 2025, on J. Teiser, J., Penner, J., Joeris, K. et al. The growth of super-large pre-planetary pebbles to an impact erosion limit. Nat Astron (2025) investigate how tiny particles in space, called “pebbles,” grow into larger clusters, which are critical in the formation of planets. Understanding this process … Read more
The Moon holds key clues about how Earth and the other inner planets of the Solar System formed. Scientists debate two main theories of planet formation: slow, chaotic growth from planetesimal collisions, or rapid growth by accumulating tiny particles called pebbles. This study explores whether the Moon’s formation can help decide between these two ideas. … Read more
Image: Courtesy of Universe Today, shows two white dwarf stars merging In a recent paper by Michael Tucker he has investigated Type Ia supernova, publishing his findings in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Association, his paper can be found HERE, but here is a simplified overview – I hope it does it justice. When … Read more
Humans like to consider themselves the most intelligent animal on Earth, and many argue that is the case because we have built cities, processed metals, built machines, conquered every environment on Earth and now we are starting to explore the deep oceans and space – but does this make us “intelligent” or just clever and … Read more
ARTICLE IN PROGRESS, IT WILL UPDATED AND EXTENDED PERIODICALLY. Getting to Mars The race is on – within 20 years humanity will have established itself on the lunar surface, with at least 1 permanent settlement, likely more as the Chinese go it alone, but the plans also involve human boots on the surface of Mars … Read more
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