Solar Orbiter
- All
- News
- Videos
-
NASA Missions Uncover a Diverse Galaxy of Super-Earths, Raising New Questions About Planetary Evolution
Super-Earths are among the most common planets in the galaxy, yet none exist in our solar system. Larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, they range from ocean-covered worlds to scorched, atmosphere-less rocks. Some orbit within habitable zones, making them prime candidates for life. NASA’s Kepler and TESS missions, along with upcoming telesc...
-
James Webb Telescope Detects Potential Gas Giant Exoplanet Just 4 Light-Years Away
Astronomers using JWST have spotted a possible gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri A, only 4 light-years away. If confirmed, it would be the closest exoplanet to a Sun-like star ever imaged. The discovery could challenge current models of planetary formation in binary systems and open new opportunities for studying nearby worlds.
-
Solar Sail Spacecraft Could Boost Space Weather Warnings by Nearly 60 Minutes
A solar sail spacecraft could extend space weather warnings from 40 to 60 minutes, offering vital lead time before solar storms strike. Part of the SWIFT mission, this satellite will orbit farther than any current monitor, using sunlight for propulsion. The system aims to better protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids from geomagnetic disru...
-
Mysterious Planet Nine May Still Lurk in the Outer Solar System
Astronomers have long speculated about a hidden planet—Planet Nine—lurking beyond Neptune. First proposed in 2016, the theory explains the strange orbits of distant Kuiper Belt objects through the gravitational pull of a massive, unseen world. Caltech researchers remain confident, while others suggest alternatives like debris rings or even a bl...
-
Earth May Have At Least Six "Minimoons" At Any Given Time: Study
Studying minimoons can provide insights into the Moon's history and crater formation process.
-
ESO Captures Clear Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Using VLT
The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope has captured the clearest images so far of comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor first spotted on July 1, 2025. Identified by its hyperbolic orbit, the comet is only the third interstellar object recorded passing through our solar system. The VLT’s deep image and timelapse confirm it is...
-
New Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Could Reveal Secrets of Distant Worlds
Astronomers have confirmed the arrival of 3I/ATLAS, only the third interstellar object ever spotted in our solar system. First seen on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey team in Chile, it was quickly identified by its unusual hyperbolic orbit and comet-like tail. Larger and brighter than either 1I/ʻOumuamua or 2I/Borisov, 3I/ATLAS is estimated to b...
-
A Planet with a Death Wish: How HIP 67522 b Is Forcing Its Star to Explode
NASA-backed astronomers have identified HIP 67522 b, a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting extremely close to its star, causing massive magnetic explosions. For the first time, a planet has been shown to trigger solar flares on its host star, highlighting a new era in exoplanet and stellar magnetic research.
-
Earth Could Be Ejected Out Of The Solar System, Study Warns
Passing stars could trigger instability across the solar system, resulting in Earth being hauled out of its orbit.
-
Solar Orbiter Captures First-Ever Close-Up of Sun’s South Pole, Revealing Magnetic Field Chaos
In a historic first, ESA’s Solar Orbiter has imaged the Sun’s elusive south pole, exposing a tangle of magnetic fields and solar winds. The mission marks a major leap in understanding space weather and the 11-year solar cycle that influences Earth’s environment.
-
Video: Solar Orbiter Spacecraft Reveals Sun's South Pole For The First Time
The robotic Solar Orbiter spacecraft has obtained the first images ever taken of our sun's two poles as scientists seek a deeper understanding of Earth's host star, including its magnetic field, its 11-year cycle of activity and the solar wind.
-
NASA Study Confirms Solar Storms Prematurely Ended Starlink Satellite's Lifespan
A recent study, backed by NASA, reveals that solar storms are causing Starlink satellites to reenter Earth's atmosphere much faster than anticipated. Analysing data from hundreds of Starlink deorbit events between 2020 and 2024, researchers found that heightened geomagnetic activity drastically increases atmospheric drag, leading to quicker orbital...
-
Solar Storms Are Causing Elon Musk's Starlink Satellites To Fall From The Sky
The study revealed that geomagnetic storms caused by the Sun's eruptions increased atmospheric drag, causing satellites to re-enter faster than expected.
-
New Dwarf Planet Discovery Challenges Planet Nine Hypothesis
The discovery of a potential dwarf planet, 2017 OF201, in the farthest reaches of the solar system is reshaping our understanding of space. With a highly elongated orbit and large size, it contradicts the Planet Nine hypothesis, which predicted orbital clustering among distant objects. This finding not only questions the existence of a ninth planet...
-
Jupiter Was Once Twice Its Size - And Its Magnetic Field Could Fry Spacecraft
Jupiter's early evolution and gravitational influence played a crucial role in shaping the solar system's structure and planetary orbits, earning it the title of the solar system's "architect."
-
NASA Missions Uncover a Diverse Galaxy of Super-Earths, Raising New Questions About Planetary Evolution
Super-Earths are among the most common planets in the galaxy, yet none exist in our solar system. Larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, they range from ocean-covered worlds to scorched, atmosphere-less rocks. Some orbit within habitable zones, making them prime candidates for life. NASA’s Kepler and TESS missions, along with upcoming telesc...
-
James Webb Telescope Detects Potential Gas Giant Exoplanet Just 4 Light-Years Away
Astronomers using JWST have spotted a possible gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri A, only 4 light-years away. If confirmed, it would be the closest exoplanet to a Sun-like star ever imaged. The discovery could challenge current models of planetary formation in binary systems and open new opportunities for studying nearby worlds.
-
Solar Sail Spacecraft Could Boost Space Weather Warnings by Nearly 60 Minutes
A solar sail spacecraft could extend space weather warnings from 40 to 60 minutes, offering vital lead time before solar storms strike. Part of the SWIFT mission, this satellite will orbit farther than any current monitor, using sunlight for propulsion. The system aims to better protect satellites, astronauts, and power grids from geomagnetic disru...
-
Mysterious Planet Nine May Still Lurk in the Outer Solar System
Astronomers have long speculated about a hidden planet—Planet Nine—lurking beyond Neptune. First proposed in 2016, the theory explains the strange orbits of distant Kuiper Belt objects through the gravitational pull of a massive, unseen world. Caltech researchers remain confident, while others suggest alternatives like debris rings or even a bl...
-
Earth May Have At Least Six "Minimoons" At Any Given Time: Study
Studying minimoons can provide insights into the Moon's history and crater formation process.
-
ESO Captures Clear Images of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Using VLT
The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope has captured the clearest images so far of comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor first spotted on July 1, 2025. Identified by its hyperbolic orbit, the comet is only the third interstellar object recorded passing through our solar system. The VLT’s deep image and timelapse confirm it is...
-
New Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Could Reveal Secrets of Distant Worlds
Astronomers have confirmed the arrival of 3I/ATLAS, only the third interstellar object ever spotted in our solar system. First seen on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS survey team in Chile, it was quickly identified by its unusual hyperbolic orbit and comet-like tail. Larger and brighter than either 1I/ʻOumuamua or 2I/Borisov, 3I/ATLAS is estimated to b...
-
A Planet with a Death Wish: How HIP 67522 b Is Forcing Its Star to Explode
NASA-backed astronomers have identified HIP 67522 b, a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting extremely close to its star, causing massive magnetic explosions. For the first time, a planet has been shown to trigger solar flares on its host star, highlighting a new era in exoplanet and stellar magnetic research.
-
Earth Could Be Ejected Out Of The Solar System, Study Warns
Passing stars could trigger instability across the solar system, resulting in Earth being hauled out of its orbit.
-
Solar Orbiter Captures First-Ever Close-Up of Sun’s South Pole, Revealing Magnetic Field Chaos
In a historic first, ESA’s Solar Orbiter has imaged the Sun’s elusive south pole, exposing a tangle of magnetic fields and solar winds. The mission marks a major leap in understanding space weather and the 11-year solar cycle that influences Earth’s environment.
-
Video: Solar Orbiter Spacecraft Reveals Sun's South Pole For The First Time
The robotic Solar Orbiter spacecraft has obtained the first images ever taken of our sun's two poles as scientists seek a deeper understanding of Earth's host star, including its magnetic field, its 11-year cycle of activity and the solar wind.
-
NASA Study Confirms Solar Storms Prematurely Ended Starlink Satellite's Lifespan
A recent study, backed by NASA, reveals that solar storms are causing Starlink satellites to reenter Earth's atmosphere much faster than anticipated. Analysing data from hundreds of Starlink deorbit events between 2020 and 2024, researchers found that heightened geomagnetic activity drastically increases atmospheric drag, leading to quicker orbital...
-
Solar Storms Are Causing Elon Musk's Starlink Satellites To Fall From The Sky
The study revealed that geomagnetic storms caused by the Sun's eruptions increased atmospheric drag, causing satellites to re-enter faster than expected.
-
New Dwarf Planet Discovery Challenges Planet Nine Hypothesis
The discovery of a potential dwarf planet, 2017 OF201, in the farthest reaches of the solar system is reshaping our understanding of space. With a highly elongated orbit and large size, it contradicts the Planet Nine hypothesis, which predicted orbital clustering among distant objects. This finding not only questions the existence of a ninth planet...
-
Jupiter Was Once Twice Its Size - And Its Magnetic Field Could Fry Spacecraft
Jupiter's early evolution and gravitational influence played a crucial role in shaping the solar system's structure and planetary orbits, earning it the title of the solar system's "architect."
