Exoplanet systems as a research area investigate the formation, architecture, dynamics, and physical properties of planetary systems orbiting stars other than the Sun, integrating observational, theoretical, and computational approaches. The field encompasses detection techniques (e.g., transits, radial velocities, direct imaging, microlensing), characterization of planetary masses, radii, atmospheres, and orbits, and statistical studies of population demographics as functions of stellar type, metallicity, and environment. It also addresses disk–planet interactions, migration processes, multi-planet dynamics, and stability, with implications for planet formation theories, comparative planetology, and the occurrence and potential habitability of terrestrial and giant planets in diverse stellar contexts.
When two stars orbit one another in such a way that one blocks the other's light each time it swings around, that's an eclipsing binary. A new paper from NASA's Eclipsing Binary Patrol citizen science project presents more ...
Astronomy
Jun 26, 2025
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Detecting exoplanets is one thing, but imaging them is another thing entirely. Astronomers can detect them by the way they block their star's light and by the way they make their stars wobble, and from that they can infer ...
Astronomy
Jun 26, 2025
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39
The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered its first exoplanet, astronomers said Wednesday, capturing rare direct images of the relatively small world in Earth's galactic backyard.
Planetary Sciences
Jun 25, 2025
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Astronomers from the University of New Mexico, along with U.S. and international researchers, have confirmed the existence of a new giant exoplanet, made possible through a collaboration with citizen sciences around the world.
Planetary Sciences
Jun 25, 2025
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143
The question of whether Earth is alone in harboring life has captivated humanity for millennia. In recent years, scientists have turned to Earth-like planets in other solar systems that may show the most promise, but many ...
Astrobiology
Jun 25, 2025
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88
A new study has uncovered a connection between solar flares—sudden outbursts of radiation from stars—and short-term weather patterns on distant Earth-like planets.
Planetary Sciences
Jun 23, 2025
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Hycean worlds are also called ocean worlds. They're planets covered in oceans that also have thick hydrogen atmospheres. There are no confirmed hycean worlds but many candidates. Even though they're only candidates so far, ...
Planetary Sciences
Jun 19, 2025
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150
Yale astronomers may have discovered the origin story for one of the universe's most dazzling phenomena—the double hot Jupiter—as well as a plan to find more of them.
Astronomy
Jun 19, 2025
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54
GJ504b is an exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star GJ 504. It is estimated to be three to six times more massive than Jupiter, making it the lowest-mass planet ever directly imaged. This faint and cold planet, often referred ...
Astronomy
Jun 19, 2025
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88
Scientists from Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Physics, together with colleagues from Poland and other countries, have identified an exoplanet—a gas giant located far from the galactic center. This is only the third such ...
Astronomy
Jun 18, 2025
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