Exoplanets

Latest about Exoplanets

A striped orange sphere against a black backgound with yellow and blue dots there is a glowing yellow orb to the right of the sphere

Exoplanet with weird orbit is transforming into a hot Jupiter before our eyes

By Robert Lea last updated

Astronomers may have solved the mystery of how hot Jupiter exoplanets are born, finding a gas giant with a weird orbit in the process of transforming into just such a world.

Exoplanets
A ton of exoplanets, many of them resembling Earth, are illustrated in front of a black screen. On the top right, there's a Space.com anniversary badge.

25 years of exoplanet hunting hasn't revealed Earth 2.0 — but is that what we're looking for?

By Monisha Ravisetti published

It's been a long ride for exoplanet science — and for Space.com itself.

Exoplanets
Several planets are seen in this illustration. The one closest to the viewer is large, and they gradually get smaller as you get farther into the image.

'What exactly is a planet?' Astronomers want to amend the definition

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

A newly proposed mass-based definition of a planet reaffirms Pluto as a dwarf planet.

Exoplanets
A large red orb surrounded by a blue halo to the left a yellow and orange sphere surrounded by a yellow halo. The background is a muddy brown color

Evidence of water found in atmosphere of mysterious 'metal god of war' exoplanet

By Robert Lea published

The composition and great density of 'hot Saturn' exoplanet Smertrios are a challenge to planet formation models that the detection of water may help solve.

Exoplanets
Three planetary orbs float in a row, slightly reflected in a dark surface just beneath them. The left and middle are the same size, both white with hints of blue, and the middle has a large blue and white swath just off center, mimicking an eyeball. The third orb is earth, and smaller.

James Webb Space Telescope suggests this exoplanet is our 'best bet' at finding an alien ocean

By Monisha Ravisetti published

James Webb Space Telescope data suggests the exoplanet LHS 1140 b is a water world in its star's habitable zone that sports a lovely, temperate ocean.

Exoplanets
A firey orange sphere to the left of a partly shadowed blue and white sphere against a very dark background

Extreme 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet stinks like rotten eggs and has raging glass storms

By Robert Lea published

As if deadly rains of glass, temperatures hot enough to melt lead, and sidewise 5,000 mph winds weren't unfriendly enough, the JWST has found a Jupiter-sized exoplanet also stinks of rotten eggs.

Exoplanets
An artist's illustration shows a bright blue planet in the foreground with a yellow, glowing star in the background.

Why puffy exoplanets often dance with perfect rhythm

By Robert Lea published

New research has identified two distinct populations of puffy, sub-Neptune exoplanets with low densities, allowing them to stay in step with their planetary siblings.

Exoplanets
a brown rocky planet floating in space

Do other planets have plate tectonics?

By Conor Feehly published

Space mysteries Earth's surface is broken up into large plates that rub against each other, causing earthquakes, volcanoes and large mountain ranges. But how unique is our planet's geology?

Space mysteries
A glowing orange and brown sphere next to a brighter orange sphere.

Gaia space telescope helps astronomers image hidden objects around bright stars

By Robert Lea published

The Gaia space telescope has spotted the dim companions of eight bright stars, suggesting we can expect new glimpses of distant planets.

Exoplanets
a giant crescent moon hangs like a dim red bowl in a darkening re-clouded sky. A dark hilly landscape stretches beneath.

Why smaller planets are better at building large moons

By Keith Cooper published

The energy of moon-forming can have a big say in whether large or doomed smaller moons are built.

Exoplanets
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Archives