Earth from Afar: A Tiny Flickering Dot [2-27-2002]
With over 70 planets identified around distant stars, astronomers are now looking for ways to classify which ones are most like Earth ñ that is to say, the ones most likely with biological potential.  

Earthshine [2-6-2002]
When the crescent moon is just a sliver each month, the phrase--'old moon in the young moon's arms'-- poetically describes a marvel of nature.  

The Heat is On: Asteroid Belt Found around Nearby Star [12-19-2001]
When unusually warm dust was first discovered around a nearby star, called zeta Leporis, infrared astronomers began hunting in detail for the heat source.  

Atmosphere of an Extrasolar Planet Detected for the First Time [12-5-2001]
Astronomers have made the first direct detection and chemical analysis of an atmosphere of a planet that exists outside our solar system.  

Jupiter-Size Planet Found Orbiting Star in Big Dipper [9-4-2001]
A team of astronomers has found a Jupiter-size planet in a circular orbit around a faint nearby star, raising intriguing prospects of finding a solar system with characteristics similar to our own.  

Study Doubles Number of Potential Earth-Like Planets [8-17-2001]
The standard model for the formation of rocky planets like Earth appears to be on solid ground even when applied to systems in which two stars orbit each other, according to a new study.  

Extrasolar Planets with Earth-like Orbits [8-8-2001]
Scientists are discovering extrasolar planets with Earth-like orbits. Could it be possible for Earth-like orbiting planets to harbor life just like Earth?  

Water Worlds [7-16-2001]
As an alien sun blazes through its death throes, it is apparently vaporizing a surrounding swarm of comets, releasing a huge cloud of water vapor.  

The Dance of the Giant Planets [1-16-2001]
A team of planet hunters January 9th announced a discovery that will help researchers better understand planet migration and how planets' gravitational pulls influence each other.