#Solar System

UH Mānoa: New study reveals methane-rich crust on Titan could hold clues to life

Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, may offer new insights into planetary atmospheres, climates, and even the potential for life beyond Earth.

Big Island telescope essential in discovery of the first extragalactic star candidate found near a supermassive black hole in Milky Way

Stars of various origins come together to form one galaxy. There may be stars born outside the Milky Way galaxy near our solar system.

Geological studies of icy moons led by UH-Mānoa scientists support search for alien life

Researchers are interested in features called strike-slip faults on these moons because they can facilitate the exchange of surface and subsurface materials, potentially creating environments conducive for life

Inouye Solar Telescope captures closeups of Sun, all the way from Big Island

The images feature a variety of sunspots and quiet regions of the Sun obtained by the Visible-Broadband Imager, one of the telescope’s first-generation instruments.

What’s your favorite extraterrestrial event in 2023? Take Big Island Now’s 30-second poll

In 2023 there have been some extraterrestrail events spied from Earth that have had the public, internet and social media buzzing. What was your favorite?

Planet spiraling to its doom discovered by University of Hawaiʻi astronomers

The planet, Kepler-1658b, with a size similar to Jupiter, is destined to spiral closer and closer to its maturing star until they collide and the planet is obliterated.

Study: Asteroid Wears Boulder ‘Body Armor’ For Protection

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scientist was part of a study that discovered that the boulder-covered surface of an asteroid within Earth space that came from the asteroid belt in our solar system protects it from small meteoroid impacts.

Super-Earth Discovered Orbiting the Sun’s Famous Stellar Neighbor

At only six light-years away, Barnard’s star has fascinated exoplanet hunters since the 1960’s, largely due to its extreme proximity to us.

Did Key Building Blocks for Life Come From Deep Space?

All living things need cells and energy to replicate.