Astronomy
High Definition Astrometry 
High Definition Astrometry (0.1 - 1.0 micro-arcseconds) will open a new window into neighboring planetary systems. For the first time, the realm of temperate terrestrial worlds will be explored.
Astrochemistry
Synthesis Of Complex Organic Molecules in Soft x-ray Irradiated Ices
We study the chemical evolution of H2O:CO:NH3 ice mixtures irradiated with soft X-rays, in the range 250-1250 eV. We identify many nitrogen-bearing molecules such as e.g., OCN-, NH4+ , HNCO, CH3CN, HCONH2, and NH2COCONH2.
Astrochemistry
Vacuum Ultraviolet Photodesorption and Photofragmentation of Formaldehyde-containing Ices
Non-thermal desorption from icy grains containing H2CO has been invoked to explain the observed H2CO gas phase abundances in ProtoPlanetary Disks (PPDs) and Photon Dominated Regions (PDRs).
TRAPPIST-1
The Detectability and Characterization of the TRAPPIST-1 Exoplanet Atmospheres with JWST
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will offer the first opportunity to characterize terrestrial exoplanets with sufficient precision to identify high mean molecular weight atmospheres, and TRAPPIST-1's seven known transiting Earth-sized planets are particularly favorable targets.
Proxima Centauri b
Temporal Changes Of The Flare Activity Of Proxima Cen
We study temporal variations of the emission lines of Halpha, Hepsilon, H and K Ca II, D1 and D2 Na I, 4026 and 5876 A He I in the HARPS spectra of Proxima Centauri across an extended time of 13.2 years, from May 27, 2004, to September 30, 2017.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
The Need for Laboratory Measurements and Ab Initio Studies to Aid Understanding of Exoplanetary Atmospheres
We are now on a clear trajectory for improvements in exoplanet observations that will revolutionize our ability to characterize their atmospheric structure, composition, and circulation, from gas giants to rocky planets.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
Optimizing Ground-based Observations of O2 in Earth Analogs
We present the result of calculations to optimize the search for molecular oxygen (O2) in Earth analogs transiting around nearby, low-mass stars using ground-based, high-resolution, Doppler shift techniques.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
The Pressure and Temperature Limits of Likely Rocky Exoplanets
The interior composition of exoplanets is not observable, limiting our direct knowledge of their structure, composition, and dynamics.
Astrochemistry
Extension of the HCOOH and CO2 Solid-state Reaction Network During The CO Freeze-out Stage: Inclusion of H2CO
Formic acid (HCOOH) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are simple species that have been detected in the interstellar medium.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
VPLanet: The Virtual Planet Simulator
We describe a software package called VPLanet that simulates fundamental aspects of planetary system evolution over Gyr timescales, with a focus on investigating habitable worlds.
Habitable Zones & Global Climate
Kepler-62f: Kepler's First Small Planet in the Habitable Zone, but Is It Real?
Kepler-62f is the first exoplanet small enough to plausibly have a rocky composition orbiting within the habitable zone (HZ) discovered by the Kepler Mission.
More top stories from May.
Recent Releases
Recent Status Reports
Calendar
- 21 May: Ocean Worlds 2019
- 21 May: NASA Advisory Council Science Committee Meeting
- 21 May: STA briefing w Tom Stafford, Commander Apollo 10
- 22 May: STA luncheon w Sylvain Laporte, President, Canadian Space Agency
- 28 May: NASA Advisory Council Human Exploration and Operations Committee Meeting
- 30 May: NASA Advisory Council Meeting
- * Submit Your Event | More Events *
Masthead
Tip your editors
tips@spaceref.com