exoplanet

Planet XO-3b, a hot Jupiter on an eccentric orbit. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Observations of a hot Jupiter may also advance our understanding of planet origins and evolution. Imagine being in a place where the winds are so strong that…

One of my favorite aspects about the vast number of exoplanets detected so far — coming up on 5,000 of these alien worlds — is that with so many discovered, you can see trends in their characteristics, as well as find…

In the past three decades, the field of extrasolar planet studies has advanced by leaps and bounds. To date, 4,903 extrasolar planets have been confirmed in 3,677 planetary systems, with another 8,414 candidates awaiting confirmation.…

Artist’s concept of the magnetic field around exoplanet HAT-P-11b. It’s the first one known among exoplanets. This world is about the size of Neptune, but orbits its star 20 times closer than Earth orbits the sun. Image via Denis Bajram/…

This illustration of the newly forming exoplanet PDS 70b shows how material may be falling onto the giant world as it builds up mass. By employing Hubble’s ultraviolet light (UV) sensitivity, researchers got a unique look at radiation…

KOI-5Ab is a newly discovered planet in a triple-star system. It is a great example of the kind of astonishing discoveries that result from cooperation between large teams of astronomers using different types of telescopes and…

With a nod to B.J. Thomas' 1969 pop hit, "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," it appears that no matter where you are in the universe being pelted with liquid droplets originating from alien skies, the size and structure of…

Astronomers have found a super-Earth around a nearby star that will be perfect for future observations to determine what’s in its atmosphere. This is a very cool and important find. The star is called Gliese 486, and it’s a…