New models suggest that Europa has very little tectonic activity at its seafloor, which is potentially catastrophic news for the hopes of finding alien life within its ocean.
The new findings strengthen the "RNA world" hypothesis that describes how the first life on Earth could have used RNA instead of DNA.
If nonliving materials can produce rich, organized mixtures of organic molecules, then the traditional signs we use to recognize biology may no longer be enough.
"Science doesn't always go as planned. In any case, there's a lot of work to be done."
"We're not certain if having widespread liquid pockets instead of a global ocean makes Titan more or less habitable."
Frequent flares from the nearby star TRAPPIST-1 could offer new clues in the search for habitable planets beyond Earth.
But being in this sweet spot doesn't automatically mean a planet is hospitable to life.
An expert dives into the history of radio astronomy and the search for life beyond our Earth.
The giants might've been kicked out, left to live a rogue lifestyle.
New lab experiments suggest that water may not be a rare visitor delivered by chance but rather a fundamental ingredient woven into the process of planetary birth.
