Nuno Loureiro: Probing the world of plasmas
Physicist explores the behavior of the universe’s most abundant form of matter.
Software finds the best way to stick a Mars landing
Program users can tinker with landing and path planning scenarios to identify optimal landing sites for Mars rovers.
How Earth sheds heat into space
New insights into the role of water vapor may help researchers predict how the planet will respond to warming.
Professor Emeritus Bernard Burke, astrophysics pioneer, dies at 90
Former Astrophysics Division chair discovered radio noise from Jupiter and the first Einstein Ring, and developed tools to map the universe.
An extinction without warning
Study finds end-Permian extinction, which wiped out most of Earth’s species, was instantaneous in geological time.
Timothy Grove awarded AGU's Harry H. Hess Medal
American Geophysical Union honors EAPS professor's “outstanding achievements in research on the constitution and evolution of the Earth and other planets.”
Julien de Wit and TRAPPIST-1 science team receive NASA award
Assistant professor in EAPS and colleagues from the University of Liège were honored for groundbreaking planetary system discovery.
3Q: A bold mission to touch the sun
MIT’s John Belcher discusses the launch of the Parker Solar Probe, which will fly directly into the sun’s atmosphere.
X-ray data may be first evidence of a star devouring a planet
New data may explain star’s mysterious dimming.
Study finds climate determines shapes of river basins
Results may help identify ancient climates on Earth or other planets.
Sound waves reveal diamond cache deep in Earth’s interior
Study finds 1–2 percent of Earth’s oldest mantle rocks are made from diamond.
Nearly 80 exoplanet candidates identified in record time
Search considered successful “dress rehearsal” for exoplanet hunter TESS.
3 Questions: Roger Summons on finding organic matter on Mars
Discovery adds to evidence suggesting that Mars was at one time habitable.
TESS takes initial test image
Exoplanet-seeking satellite developed by MIT swings by moon toward final orbit.
Ushering in the next phase of exoplanet discovery
Professor Sara Seager previews a new era of discovery as a leader of the TESS mission, which is expected to find some 20,000 extrasolar planets.