When asked which planet is nearest Earth, many will point out Venus as being closer than Mars at certain points in their orbital path. However, a new study has demonstrated that Mercury is our closest neighbor on average; this is because the distance between planets reduces by their average distances from the Sun. Mercury Mercury…
By monitoring seismic waves that were transmitted through Mars’ interior, scientists discovered a layer of molten rock surrounding its liquid metal core – thus challenging current theories about its structure and evolution. This new discovery could help scientists gain a greater understanding of how Mars formed, evolved and lost its capacity for life over time….
There are planets outside our solar system known as exoplanets that orbit stars beyond our own sun. Proxima Centauri b is the nearest exoplanet to Earth and potential potentially habitable exoplanet, four light years away and orbiting Proxima Centauri star system. Proxima Centauri Astronomers have discovered a planet known as Proxima Centauri b that is…
Billions of years ago, Mars was much closer to Earth–with lakes, rivers, and possibly oceans–than it is today; scientists are finding evidence that suggests it might still host some form of life. Hindu astrology regards Mangal (Mars) as the son of Earth and Kartikeya, representing masculine energy within people as well as providing skills such…
After space programs focused on human flight in low orbit and Mars, Venus was often overlooked. In 2005 however, European Mission Venus Express entered orbit. Venus was confirmed as being an Earth-like world with dry conditions and past oceans; furthermore, there was evidence of past oceanic circulation patterns as well as a double atmospheric vortex…
Most people believe Venus to be our nearest planet; after all, its brightness makes it easy for it to be noticed against our skies, especially as a glowing crescent Moon in the evening twilight or just before sunrise appears close by. However, Mercury actually comes closer. But that is only part of the picture; engineers…
Four billion years ago, Mars may have had an atmosphere rich with oxygen that provided conditions conducive to life despite losing much of its atmosphere to space. Making Mars habitable doesn’t need to be an herculean undertaking – researchers say patches can be transformed quickly and affordably by layering thin silica aerogel sheets on its…
Scientists are still exploring whether Mars was ever home to life in its past and exploring methods to extract water from its soil. To gain a better understanding of this intriguing planet, we turned to some LSU experts for insight on its many mysteries and quarries. They provided answers to some commonly-asked questions regarding Mars….
Mars, located four planets from the Sun and with two moons, has a reddish hue similar to our Earth. Polar ice caps and geological features suggest it once supported life on this red-hued world. Astronomers studying Mars during the 17th and 18th centuries saw evidence of civilization on Mars, including canals that appeared to carry…
