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Planetary science

: Computer simulation of a one-sided magnetic field on early Mars based on data from a study led by the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics. The study could explain the unusual magnetic imprint found on Mars today
Planetary science
Molten core could explain magnetic quirks of Mars
Published April 15, 2025
The planet's once-strong magnetic field appears to have been limited to its southern hemisphere, the apparent result of a fully liquid inner core that differs from that of Earth
Blurry planets of the HR 8799 system against a black background, captured in infrared with Webb’s NIRCam. A star symbol marks the blocked-out host star
Astrophysics
Images show carbon dioxide outside our solar system
Published March 17, 2025
James Webb Space Telescope observations suggest key giant exoplanets likely formed like Jupiter and Saturn
Concept art of exoplanet HD 189733b, a blue gas giant with yellow hue bands, up close with its parent star, a K-type that emits warm orange light.
Exoplanets
Nearby exoplanet reeks of rotten eggs
Published July 8, 2024
Johns Hopkins astronomers sniffed out the stinky atmosphere with Webb Telescope
Artist’s conception of the view towards the young star Beta Pictoris from the outer edge of its disk.
Astrophysics
Webb telescope reveals asteroid collision in neighboring star system
Published June 10, 2024
The observations spotlight the volatile processes that shape star systems like our own, offering a unique glimpse into the primordial stages of planetary formation
An artist’s concept of WASP-107 b shows turbulent atmospheric mixing within the planet’s gas envelope, with a hot core emitting light and heat through a brownish interior outwards and a top layer with many shades of blue curling clouds.
Exoplanets
First glimpse of an exoplanet interior
Published May 20, 2024
Methane found in WASP-107 b reveals core mass, turbulent skies, and other key insights in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system
Sam Myers
Planetary health
New institute aims to safeguard human health on a changing planet
Published April 2, 2024
Institute for Planetary Health will bridge multiple disciplines to address how changes to Earth's environment are affecting human health
An illustration of the moon with text overlaid that reads "Exploration," "Dreams," "Ambition," "Hope," and "Innovation."
Space exploration
A bigger, bolder moon shot
Published Spring 2024
NASA's ambitious moon return involves plans to build a long-term human presence in the solar system / Johns Hopkins Magazine
Illustration of a fast blazing asteroid meteor over Earth
Planetary science
Interstellar signal linked to aliens was actually just a truck
Published March 7, 2024
The findings from a Johns Hopkins University-led team raise doubts that materials pulled last year from the ocean are alien materials from a 2014 meteor fireball
An illustration shows two water-rich exoplanets with heavy layers of haze orbiting their host star in outer space.
Exoplanets
Clearer views of distant water worlds
Published Nov 27, 2023
Research by Hopkins scientists will help model how water exoplanets form and evolve—findings that could help in the search for life beyond our solar system
The sun's light shows the curvature of the Earth, as seen from space
Biochemistry
Ancient proteins offer new clues about origins of life on Earth
Published Feb 27, 2023
In early Earth simulation co-led by Hopkins researchers, scientists gain insights into how amino acids shaped the genetic code of ancient microorganisms