earth, life, life on other planets, new discoveries

What the Rise in Oxygen on Early Earth Tells Us About Life on Other Planets

When did the Earth reach oxygen levels sufficient to support animal life? The answer to this has implications regarding our search for life on other planets. Researchers from McGill University have discovered that a rise in oxygen levels occurred in step with the evolution and expansion of complex, eukaryotic ecosystems. Their findings represent the strongest ...

Troy Oakes

Ironstone cliff on the seashore.

Space Weather Discovery Puts ‘Habitable Planets’ at Risk

Using radio signals as an indicator of stellar activity will allow astronomers to determine “space weather” in nearby solar systems. The news is not great for life (as we know it) from our nearest neighbor. A discovery that links stellar flares with radio-burst signatures will make it easier for astronomers to detect space weather around ...

Troy Oakes

Artist's impression of flare from our neighboring star Proxima Centauri ejecting material onto a nearby planet.