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swirling atmosphere

Potentially habitable planet TRAPPIST-1b may have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere

Potentially habitable planet TRAPPIST-1b may have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere

That haze, the researchers say, causes the planet's upper atmosphere to be hotter than the layers below, creating an environment where carbon dioxide emits light rather than absorbing it, which could explain the lack of an expected dip in previous observations.

Scientists find a long-sought electric field in Earth’s atmosphere

Scientists find a long-sought electric field in Earth’s atmosphere

Once established, the field can act as a booster for lighter ions like hydrogen, giving them enough energy to break free of Earth’s gravity and zoom away as the polar wind.

Why NASA is sending a probe to Europa – and what it’s looking for

Why NASA is sending a probe to Europa – and what it’s looking for

This, in addition to hints of geophysical activity – such as the rusty lines that streak its surface – and complex chemistry, is why Europa has long captivated astronomers searching for habitable worlds beyond our pale blue dot.