Chemistry
Organic Chemistry: Why study it? What can it teach us about finding life beyond Earth?
Universe Today has recently had the privilege of investigating a myriad of scientific disciplines, including impact craters, planetary surfaces, exoplanets, astrobiology, solar physics, comets, planetary atmospheres, planetary geophysics, cosmochemistry, meteorites,…
Could Life Exist in Water Droplet Worlds in Venus’ Atmosphere?
It's a measure of human ingenuity and curiosity that scientists debate the possibility of life on Venus. They established long…
Measuring the Atmospheres of Other Worlds to See if There are Enough Nutrients for Life
Life on Earth depends on six critical elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorous, and Sulfur. These elements are referred to…
The Large Magellanic Cloud isn’t Very Metal
The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the Milky Way's most massive satellite galaxy. Because it's so easily observed, astronomers have…
Webb Finds Deep Space Alcohol and Chemicals in Newly Forming Planetary
Since its launch in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made some amazing discoveries. Recent observations have found…
A Single Grain of Ice Could Hold Evidence of Life on Europa and Enceladus
The Solar System's icy ocean moons are primary targets in our search for life. Missions to Europa and Enceladus will…
Earth’s Long-Term Habitability Relies on Chemical Cycles. How Can We Better Understand Them?
We, and all other complex life, require stability to evolve. Planetary conditions needed to be benign and long-lived for creatures…
Juno Measures How Much Oxygen is Being Produced by Europa
If the periodic table listed the elements in order of their importance to life, then oxygen might bully its way…
Another Explanation for K2-18b? A Gas-Rich Mini-Neptune with No Habitable Surface
Exoplanet K2-18b is garnering a lot of attention. James Webb Space Telescope spectroscopy shows it has carbon and methane in…
There are Mysteries at Venus. It’s Time for an Astrobiology Mission
When scientists detected phosphine in Venus' atmosphere in 2020, it triggered renewed, animated discussions about Venus and its potential habitability.…