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Subaru Spots Strange Spin
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
11/18/09 |
| Summary: Astronomers have found that the extrasolar planet HAT-P-7b has a retrograde or highly tilted orbit. Studying such planets is important in understanding the diversity of planetary systems and assessing current models of how planets migrate. The findings could help astrobiologists in the search for habitable planets beyond our solar system. |
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Lacking Lithium
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
11/14/09 |
| Summary: A census of 500 stars has successfully linked the 'lithium mystery' observed in our Sun to the presence of planetary systems. The study shows that Sun-like stars with planetary systems lack lithium, and could help astronomers identify more stars that host planets. |
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Unsettled Youth
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
11/07/09 |
| Summary: NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has discovered a young star where young planets jostle about like unsettled children. The system may be similar to our own solar system before our planets settled into their familiar orbits. |
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Detecting Life-Friendly Moons
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
10/26/09 |
| Summary: The search for life-friendly real estate around distant stars doesn't have to be limited to planets. New research shows that habitable exomoons can be detected with a new method using current technology. |
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IBEX Maps Our Place in the Galaxy
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
10/25/09 |
| Summary: NASA's IBEX spacecraft has made it possible for scientists to construct the first comprehensive sky map of our solar system and its location in the Milky Way. The new view will help researchers study the interaction between our galaxy and sun, and the conditions that allow for habitability in our solar system. |
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Building Planet Earth
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
10/22/09 |
| Summary: A new study shows how rocky planets are formed from the manic swirl of gas and dust that surround a young star, and determines what chemical building blocks are used to construct the planets. Understanding the dynamics and chemistry that create planetary systems can help astronomers in their search for Earth-like planets in the galaxy. |
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Dirty Stars are Popular Hosts
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
10/07/09 |
| Summary: New research indicates that the composition of a star may indicate whether or not the star supports orbiting planets. 'Dirty' stars form from clouds of dust and gas that contain lots of heavy elements... and scientists believe these stars are good candidates for hosting solar systems. |
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Islands of Life Across Space and Time
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
10/06/09 |
| Summary: Scientists have provided the first quantitative evaluation of planetary habitability. The study shows how the habitability of Earth has changed in the past, and will aid astrobiologists in evaluating the habitability of other planets in our solar system and beyond. |
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Double Dust Disks
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
09/30/09 |
| Summary: Astronomers have explored one of the most compact dust disks ever resolved around another star, where an inner disk is accompanied by an outer disk. The finding may be an example of a young planetary system just entering the last phase of planet formation and could teach us about the evolution and formation of habitable planets. |
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Planetary Petri Dish
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| Topic: Cosmic Evolution |
09/29/09 |
| Summary: Astronomers have discovered a clump of planet-forming material around a distant star that looks as if it is being pushed around by another star or planet. The observation is unlike anything seen before and offers a rare look into the early stages of planet formation. |
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