The discovery of the TRAPPIST‑1 system in 2017 marked a significant leap in the search for habitable exoplanets. Seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a single ultra-cool dwarf star, three within the so-called habitable zone, sparked excitement among astronomers and astrobiologists worldwide. With instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope now operational, scientists can analyze the atmospheres…
Lagrange Points—five gravitationally balanced positions in space—are quietly revolutionizing how we study the cosmos. Located in the orbital dance between two large celestial bodies (like Earth and the Sun), these points allow satellites, telescopes, and space stations to “park” in stable positions with minimal fuel use. The most famous, Lagrange Point 2 (L2), is home…
In 2014, satellites recorded a phenomenon never before seen: a space hurricane swirling over the Earth’s polar ionosphere. Unlike traditional hurricanes formed by warm ocean air, this swirling plasma storm occurred over the North Pole, spinning for eight hours with a calm center, spiraling arms, and rain—of electrons. It wasn’t until 2021 that researchers formally…
First detected in 2007, Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are intense, millisecond-long flashes of radio waves originating from distant galaxies. Despite their brief duration, FRBs can emit more energy than the Sun produces in an entire day. Astronomers initially thought they were anomalies, but the growing number of detections—thanks to observatories like CHIME in Canada—confirms they…
As our ventures into space accelerate, a less glamorous but critical issue emerges—space junk. These are defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions orbiting Earth at speeds exceeding 17,000 mph. Though invisible to the naked eye, this growing cloud of debris poses a real threat to active satellites, space missions, and even the…
While often seen as mere cosmic debris, interstellar dust plays a crucial role in the birth of stars. Found in cold, dense molecular clouds, these tiny particles—composed of silicates, carbon, and ice—act as the cooling agents that allow gas to clump together. Without them, the gas in these regions would remain too warm and diffuse…
As humanity ventures beyond Earth, the social dynamics of space exploration become increasingly significant. Astrosociology, an interdisciplinary field merging sociology and space sciences, examines how human societies interact with and are influenced by outer space. This discipline explores the societal implications of space activities, including the cultural, ethical, and behavioral aspects of human life in…
Discovered by NASA’s Kepler mission, K2-18b is an exoplanet located about 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo. What makes it truly fascinating is its placement within the habitable zone of its star—where conditions may support liquid water. As a science writer with a background in planetary studies, I’ve followed K2-18b’s research closely. In 2019,…
zoomacademia.com – Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, stands as a majestic and enigmatic celestial body. Known for its immense size, stunning atmospheric features, and powerful magnetic field, Jupiter has captivated astronomers and space enthusiasts for centuries. Planetary Overview Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest, with a diameter…
zoomacademia.com – The Moon, Earth’s only natural satellite, has fascinated humanity for millennia. Visible in the night sky, its ever-changing phases and influence on the Earth have made it a subject of scientific study, myth, and wonder. This article delves into the Moon’s composition, its role in the solar system, and its impact on Earth….
