I. What are Microbial Mat Analogues? Microbial mat analogues are structures that mimic the composition and behavior of microbial mats found in natural environments on Earth. Microbial mats are complex communities of microorganisms that live in close proximity to each other and form a layered structure. These mats are commonly found in environments such as … Read more
I. What is Copernican Heliocentrism? Copernican Heliocentrism is a theory proposed by Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century. It suggests that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, as opposed to the geocentric model that placed Earth at the center of the universe. This revolutionary idea challenged the prevailing beliefs of … Read more
I. What are Brown Dwarfs? Brown dwarfs are celestial objects that fall between the size of a planet and a star. They are often referred to as “failed stars” because they lack the mass needed to sustain nuclear fusion in their cores, which is the process that powers stars. Brown dwarfs are sometimes called “sub-stellar … Read more
I. What are Impact Events? Impact events refer to collisions between celestial objects such as asteroids, comets, and meteoroids with planetary bodies like planets, moons, and asteroids. These events can have significant consequences on the target body, ranging from creating craters and altering landscapes to causing mass extinctions and shaping planetary evolution. Impact events have … Read more
I. What is BICEP? The Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization (BICEP) is a series of experiments designed to study the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. The CMB is the faint glow of radiation left over from the Big Bang, which occurred approximately 13.8 billion years ago. BICEP is specifically focused on measuring the polarization … Read more
I. What are Complex Organic Molecules (COMs)? Complex organic molecules (COMs) are large, carbon-based compounds that contain multiple atoms of carbon and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. These molecules are considered complex because they have a higher degree of structural complexity compared to simpler organic molecules like methane or carbon monoxide. … Read more
I. What is the Myth of Perseus and Medusa? The myth of Perseus and Medusa is one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology. It tells the tale of Perseus, a hero who is tasked with slaying the monstrous Gorgon Medusa. According to the myth, Medusa was once a beautiful woman who was cursed … Read more
Astrobiology studies life’s origins, evolution, and potential beyond Earth, combining biology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy to answer one of science’s biggest questions.
Learn how solar storms form, why they affect Earth, and what scientists watch to forecast space weather.
Solar storms can expose astronauts to dangerous radiation, disrupt spacecraft systems, and shape mission planning across low Earth orbit and deep space.