What is the difference between a moon and a planet? Trick question! According to scientific definitions, there often isn’t much of a difference at all. That might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true.

As astronomers delve deeper into the diversity of worlds orbiting distant stars, a new study suggests comparing populations of young exoplanets with older ones could reveal vital clues about how ...

Our solar system is much like a trail of microcosmic breadcrumbs: Follow the molecular bits as far back as they go, and you'll learn a thing or two about where many of our planets and other celestial ...

JWST found a carbon-atmosphere planet orbiting a pulsar, challenging current models of how planets form. Scientific progress ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A selection of exoplanets that orbit in the habitable zone around their stars — where water can ...