Earth

Is it possible that our notions of what makes a planet suitable for life are too limiting? Scientists are finding that the answer not only is yes, but that it’s yes under a range of surprising conditions compared to Earth.

For the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic views from the Voyager mission, NASA's JPL is publishing a new version of the image known as the "Pale Blue Dot."

Some Scientists Believe Life Formed in Thermal Pools like Those in Yellowstone National Park

New evidence has confirmed Australia’s Yarrabubba crater as the world’s oldest preserved impact structure - but did it thaw Earth and end an ice age?

Earth’s breathable atmosphere is key for life, and a new study suggests that the first burst of oxygen was added by a spate of volcanic eruptions brought about by tectonics.

Sulfur chemistry was vital for early anaerobic life in the Archean eon, over 2.5 billion years ago

By creating protocells in hot, alkaline seawater, a UCL-led research team has added to evidence that the origin of life could have been in deep-sea hydrothermal vents rather than shallow pools.

Earth-like planets may be common in the universe, a new UCLA study implies. The team of astrophysicists and geochemists presents new evidence that the Earth is not unique.

Comets screaming through the atmosphere of early Earth at tens of thousands of miles per hour likely contained measurable amounts of protein-forming amino acids. Upon impact, these amino acids self-assembled into significantly larger nitrogen-containing aromatic structures that are likely constituents of polymeric biomaterials.

How light reflected by vegetation, varying through time, is a strong biosignature.