This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Story 5
In 2005, the dwarf planet Makemake passed between the Earth and a very bright star, casting a shadow known as an occultation. A new study of data collected from the occultation reveals that Makemake lacks an atmosphere.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Rare Apparition of Dwarf Planet Makemake Reveals a Largely Airless World
Story 4
Internet billionaire and SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced his plans for a future Mars colony of 80,000 people. The price tag for a flight to the Martian colony: $500,000.
Martian Colony Designed by Private Space Flight Company
Story 3
Astronomers have discovered a giant gaseous planet about 13 times the size of Jupiter. The "super jupiter" is challenging previous notions of how planets form in solar systems with large stars.
Links:
"Super-Jupiter" Discovery Dwarfs Solar System's Largest Planet
Story 2
The Very Large Telescope, belonging to the European Southern Observatory, has caught a glimpse of the most powerful quasar ever discovered.
Biggest Black Hole Blast Ever Could Solve Cosmological Mystery
Story 1
The moons of gas giants like Neptune and Uranus are arranged in a pattern where the smallest moons are closest to the planet and become gradually larger as you move farther out. This pattern has baffled scientists, but a new model explains how it could have emerged from rings of gas and dust similar to Saturn's.
Links:
Solar System's Moons May Have Emerged from Long-Gone Planetary Rings