Recent observations suggest that scientists have identified potential microbial fingerprints in the atmospheres of other planets, raising intriguing questions about the possibility of alien life ...

These noctilucent clouds, reflecting light from the sun after sunset, have been visible in Martian skies for the past four fall seasons. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS A rover got a new view of ...

When astronomers observe distant exoplanets, they sometimes encounter a frustrating result: instead of revealing the chemical fingerprints of an atmosphere, the data appear almost completely flat.

For the quickest way to join, enter your email below. We’ll send a confirmation email and sign you up to Space.com newsletters with the latest inspiration, expert advice and exclusive offers.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An award-winning reporter writing about stargazing and the night sky. Artistic representation of WASP-94A b, a gas giant in the ...

The James Webb Space Telescope is transforming our understanding of exoplanets—but what happens when clouds get in the way? Astronomers have developed a new method for detecting clouds and hazes in ...