James Webb Space Telescope images massive Jupiter-like planet in a triple-body system

James Webb Space Telescope images massive Jupiter-like planet in a triple-body system

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have imaged a planet that is, relatively speaking, in our galactic backyard — and that fresh data has led to new details about this massive “cold” Jupiter. The gas giant exoplanet has the unceremonious name of Epsilon Ind Ab. Epsilon (or “Eps”) is the fifth letter in the Greek … Read more

Astronauts to stay on ISS for weeks longer amid probe into Boeing Starliner’s thruster issue

Astronauts to stay on ISS for weeks longer amid probe into Boeing Starliner’s thruster issue

Two NASA astronauts will stay longer at the International Space Station as engineers troubleshoot problems on Boeing’s new space capsule that cropped up on the trip there. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Friday did not set a return date until testing on the ground was complete and said the astronauts were safe. “We’re not … Read more

China blasts off on mission that could provide 1st samples of far side of the moon

China blasts off on mission that could provide 1st samples of far side of the moon

China on Friday launched a lunar probe to land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. It is the latest advance in China’s increasingly sophisticated space exploration program, which is now competing with the U.S., still … Read more

This UBC grad has discovered thousands of likely planets across our cosmos

This UBC grad has discovered thousands of likely planets across our cosmos

At 30 years old, Michelle Kunimoto already has more than 3,000 planet candidates under her belt. Inspired by science fiction and curiosity, the University of British Columbia astronomy graduate is passionate about searching for exoplanets — bodies orbiting stars outside our own solar system. She’s currently leading a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hunting for them. … Read more