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LHS 1140b orbits within the habitable zone of its red dwarf star about 49 light-years from Earth. (Image: NYT)

Scientists confirm atmosphere on potentially habitable planet 49 light-years from Earth

July 18, 2026 9:27 am

Researchers have confirmed an atmosphere around the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, making it one of the strongest candidates yet, in the search for potentially habitable worlds beyond our solar system.

According to the study, the planet’s interior is likely dominated by a long-lasting magma ocean. This molten layer enables gases, such as hydrogen, to be trapped and slowly released over a vast period of time. (Image for representation: X/ Jeff)

‘Not quite a gas planet’: Magma ocean world discovered 35 light-years from Earth

March 22, 2026 9:34 am

Researchers say L 98-59 d could represent a new class of planets.

Several of these planets will be sitting very low on the western horizon and close to the Sun’s lingering glow. (Image: Starry nights)

Planet Parade February 2026: When and how to see the rare multi-planet display

February 05, 2026 12:32 pm

From Jupiter shining bright to elusive Mercury near the horizon, the much-talked-about planet parade may be subtler than expected.

According to theoretical models of planetary system formation, violent gravitational interactions early in a system’s history can eject planets into interstellar space. (Image: University of Warsaw)

A planet with no sun: Astronomers spot rare rogue planet

January 04, 2026 9:47 am

The Saturn-sized celestial object is one of the clearest examples yet of a planet drifting through space without a host star.

Vesta may not have the dense core that differentiated planetary bodies usually have, according to new discoveries based on spin-rate data and gravity-field mapping.

Scientists say asteroid 'Vesta' might be a piece of a planet that no longer exists

May 19, 2025 12:29 pm

A new study by Michigan State University researchers suggest that Vesta isn’t a protoplanet but a chunk of an ancient, lost world.

A parade of planets is marching through the night sky

February 28, 2025 9:21 am

Whenever planets are visible in the night sky, they always appear roughly along the same line. This path, known as the ecliptic, is the same one that the sun travels along during the day.

A planetary parade like this will take place in 2040.

Planetary Parade 2025 live: Here's how to watch all seven planets in the sky

March 02, 2025 8:45 am

Planetary Parade 2025 Time: All seven planets will be visible in the evening sky tomorrow, but you might need a pair of binoculars or telescope to spot Neptune and Uranus.

Is the ongoing ‘planet parade’ rare?

January 17, 2025 2:02 pm

Six planets — Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune — are currently forming a breathtaking arc in night night sky

Mars Volcano pit | Mars | Mars Volcanoes

Mysterious 'hole' on Mars excites enthusiasts, could shelter humans during expeditions

June 10, 2024 8:18 am

Pits created by lava flowing away from ancient volcanoes on Mars may allow us to take shelter and shed some light about the history of life on the rocky planet.

artist's illustration of a planet forming in a protoplanetary disk

Scientists find evidence of ‘baby’ planet in the making

September 15, 2022 5:03 pm

Astronomers know that planets are formed by protoplanetary disks of dust and gas that surround young stars but they struggle to observe actual planetary birth and formation.