Tag Archives: astronomy

Found: a ‘Baby Planet’

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Brian H. Gill

Pictures of PDS 70b show a planet that’s still forming. It’s the youngest planet scientists have imaged so far. They figure studying it will help them learn more about how planetary systems develop. I think they’re right. Attitudes and assumptions … Continue reading →

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Oxygen, Alien Life

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Brian H. Gill

We haven’t found extraterrestrial life. But we’re still finding planets circling other stars. Thousands of them. Some of those planets couldn’t possibly support life as we know it. But some might. Atomic oxygen may be a good biosignature: evidence of … Continue reading →

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Science in 2017

Posted on December 29, 2017 by Brian H. Gill

It may not be an ‘official’ end-of-year custom, but many folks make lists as New Year approaches. BBC News made a list of eight “amazing science stories” of 2017. I can see how the stories are “amazing,” from their viewpoint, … Continue reading →

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No More Sunspots?

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Brian H. Gill

Sunspots come and go in an 11-year cycle. Our sun has acted that way for centuries. With a few exceptions. The sunspot cycle changed about 23 years back. I think we’ll learn a great deal by studying what’s happening, but … Continue reading →

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