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| Investigating Exoplanet Surfaces |
| Topic: New Planets |
05/23/13 |
| In order to better understand the composition of rocky exoplanets, researchers have proposed a method to identify chemical signatures from surface materials. A better understanding of exoplanet surface compositions will help researchers determine the prevalence of Earth-like planets in our galaxy. |
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| A Roadmap for the Future of Astrobiology |
| Topic: Missions |
05/20/13 |
| The NASA Astrobiology Program is now outlining the new 2013 Astrobiology Roadmap, which charts future directions for astrobiology research and technology development at the organization. The process has begun with a series of webinars and online discussions, and a call is out to the astrobiology community to join in the discussion. |
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| Mars Icebreaker Life Mission |
| Topic: Mars |
05/16/13 |
| The Icebreaker Life mission to Mars, currently being developed, would drill down about 3 feet and scan the ice shavings for organic biomarkers — molecules that are too complex to be produced non-biologically and could be conclusive evidence of life. |
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| Kepler Mission Down But Not Yet Out |
| Topic: Missions |
05/15/13 |
| Scientists involved in NASA’s Kepler mission reported today that the telescope is in “safe mode” and no longer able to make observations. While not officially "dead," this may be the end of the road for the telescope that has discovered thousands of exoplanets, many of them "Earth-sized" |
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| Farming on Mars: NASA Ponders Food for mid-2030s Manned Mission |
| Topic: Moon to Mars |
05/10/13 |
| The first humans to live on Mars might not identify as astronauts, but farmers. Growing food on Mars might be one of the most vital, challenging and labor-intensive tasks at hand, experts say. A report from the Humans 2 Mars conference in Washington D.C. |
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| Comparing Climates: From Earth to Exoplanets |
| Topic: Climate |
05/09/13 |
| Scientists gathered at NASA Headquarters this week to discuss how Earth’s climate compares to other locations in our solar system and beyond. By highlighting the similarities and contrasts between alien environments, we may gain a better understanding about changes in our home planet’s climate. |
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| Eyeball Earths |
| Topic: New Planets |
04/25/13 |
| Some alien worlds orbiting red dwarf stars might resemble giant eyeballs. Researchers are now proposing experiments to simulate these distant planets and see how capable they are of supporting life. |
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| Digging Down Below the Tree of Life |
| Topic: Origin & Evolution of Life |
03/28/13 |
| Genomic studies consistently show that all life on Earth is related, but our earliest ancestors may not have evolved in the same way we do now. |
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