New Atlas

Space Audio available

Astronomers analyze atmosphere of exoplanet unlike any in our solar system

Michael Irving July 2, 2019

NASA astronomers have managed to probe the atmosphere of GJ 3470 b, a planet unlike any in our solar system. It marks the first time for this kind of world, and could be a step towards identifying potentially habitable planets.

Astronomers have analyzed the atmosphere of the exoplanet GJ 3470 b

Space Audio available

Decade long study sheds light on "killer" galactic mergers

David Szondy February 27, 2019

Images taken by NASA's Spitzer Space telescope are providing insight into the phenomenon of "killer" galaxies that, when they merge, shut down star formation within the new united galaxies.

Two merging galaxies known as Arp 302, also called VV 340

Space

Spitzer Space Telescope sheds new light on 'Oumuamua ... by not being able to see it

David Szondy November 18, 2018

New findings based on observations by the Spitzer Space Telescope put a limit on the size of the first interstellar object to be seen visiting the Solar System, but ironically it was the inability of the instrument to detect 'Oumuamua that led to the discovery.

An artist's concept of interstellar asteroid 1I/2017 U1 ('Oumuamua) as it passed through the solar system ...

Space

NASA celebrates Spitzer's 15th anniversary with VR experience and selfie app

Anthony Wood August 24, 2018

NASA is marking the 15th launch anniversary of its Spitzer Space Telescope with the release of a VR tour of the TRAPPIST-1 system, and a cosmic selfie app. Spitzer blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on August 25, 2003 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket.

TRAPPIST-1E seen during the virtual tour of the TRAPPIST system

Space

Stellar fireworks: Mesmerizing nebulae from our galaxy and beyond

Michael Irving June 15, 2018

Like fireworks that linger for millennia, nebulae are some of the most photogenic objects in the universe. These vast clouds of dust and gas represent both the birth and death of stars. New Atlas has collected some of the most breathtaking nebula images ever taken.

The Veil Nebula, located about 2,100 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Cygnus, is a ...

Space

Giant, waterlogged "hot Saturn" hints at breadth of exoplanet diversity

David Szondy March 2, 2018

Water is not only a key ingredient in supporting life, it's also a major clue as to how planets form, and NASA has found a lot of the stuff in the atmosphere of a giant exoplanet called Wasp-39b. It's as massive as Saturn but has three times as much water as the famous ringed planet.

WASP-39b – a hot, bloated, Saturn-mass exoplanet located about 700 light-years from Earth

Space

Birth of a black hole witnessed as star vanishes without a bang

Michael Irving May 25, 2017

For the first time, astronomers have witnessed a star disappear before their eyes. It appears to have collapsed into a black hole without the usual supernova, marking the first time scientists have witnessed the birth of a black hole, and changing our understanding of the life and death of stars.

A star that disappeared before astronomers' eyes could mark the first time the birth of a ...

Space

Babylon 5 solar system bears striking resemblance to our own

David Szondy May 2, 2017

A team of University of Arizona researchers led by Kate Su have used NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) flying observatory to take a closer look at a system 10.5 light years away and discovered it has a familiar general structure.

Artist's illustration of the Epsilon Eridani system showing Epsilon Eridani b

Space

Seven Earth-sized planets found orbiting nearby red dwarf star

Anthony Wood February 22, 2017

An international team of astronomers has announced the discovery of seven Earth-sized exoplanets in orbit around a nearby ultracool red dwarf star, including three that reside in the star's habitable zone.

Artists's impression of the TRAPPIST-1 solar system. TRAPPIST-1 now holds the record for the solar system ...

Space

Spitzer space telescope beams down "Enterprise" nebulae

David Szondy September 8, 2016

To mark the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, NASA today released images of a seemingly heavenly tribute to the television series. Infrared images of a pair of nebulae returned by the Spitzer Space Telescope bear a resemblance to two versions of the starship USS Enterprise.