<h2>Uncovering Interstellar Oceans</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">NASA </a>shocked the world earlier this year when they <a href="https://futurism.com/nasa-just-found-a-solar-system-with-7-earth-like-planets/" target="_blank">announced the discovery of </a>the seven Earth-like exoplanets found in what is now known as the Trappist-1 system. It seems as though the space agency is bent on shocking the world again with an upcoming press conference on &#8220;ocean worlds&#8221; in our solar system.</p>
<p>The announcement comes in light of <a href="//futurism.com/after-20-years-of-exploration-nasas-cassini-spacecraft-has-begun-its-self-destruct-mission/during its final mission" target="_blank">data collected by NASA&#8217;s Cassini spacecraft during its final mission</a> and <a href="https://futurism.com/nasas-wfirst-telescope-will-investigate-universes-secrets/">the Hubble Telescope</a> and is scheduled for Thursday, April 13th at 2 PM. The conference will cover new results about &#8220;ocean worlds&#8221; in our solar system and &#8220;the search for life beyond Earth.&#8221;</p>
<p>NASA&#8217;s quest to find life in our solar system has rested on the possibility of interstellar water. Because a majority of our home planet is covered in water and all life (as we know it, as it adheres to known scientific principles) depends on water, it is logical to expect that wherever there is water, extraterrestrial life might not be too far away.</p>
<p>There <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/ocean-worlds/">are several possible &#8220;ocean worlds&#8221;</a> currently being investigated by NASA. The moons of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn are prime suspects for the space agency. Of Jupiter&#8217;s many moons, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto are all suspected to have oceans underneath their icy crusts, while of Saturn&#8217;s moons, it&#8217;s suspected that Enceladus, Titan, and Mimas might also hold sub-surface oceans.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s exciting to imagine that all this happening in our very own solar system&#8230;but what exactly would it mean if we find oceans?</p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W1xUyJfd4dY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>Are We Alone?</h2>
<p>Searching for hidden oceans far off in our solar system could give us some insight into the origins of life. We might be able to better understand how we came to be, and how other creatures in the cosmos might come to be. The conditions for life to arise may not be as limiting <a href="https://futurism.com/scientists-just-found-fossils-containing-the-oldest-evidence-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank">as we once thought</a>. But, we can only find answers to these questions if we venture forth and take a thorough look <a href="https://futurism.com/nasa-is-sending-a-lander-to-discover-whether-life-exists-on-europa/" target="_blank">at our cosmic neighborhood.</a></p>
<p>The press conference, held at the James Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters in Washington on April 13th, might just give us a better understanding of the possibility of &#8220;ocean worlds&#8221; and the prevalence of life beyond Earth. The briefing will feature prominent scientists such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/leadership/Thomas-Zurbuchen" target="_blank">Thomas Zurbuchen</a>, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington</li>
<li><a href="https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/leadership/dr-jim-green" target="_blank">Jim Green</a>, director, Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters</li>
<li><a href="https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/research/astrobiology-at-nasa/voytek/">Mary Voytek</a>, astrobiology senior scientist at NASA Headquarters</li>
<li><a href="https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Spilker/" target="_blank">Linda Spilker</a>, Cassini project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California</li>
<li><a href="http://www.swri.org/iProfiles/ViewiProfile.asp?k=3i40k0284509i5d">Hunter Waite</a>, Cassini Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer team lead at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio</li>
<li><a href="https://nai.nasa.gov/directory/glein-christopher/">Chris </a><a class="" href="https://nai.nasa.gov/directory/glein-christopher/">Glein</a>, Cassini INMS team associate at SwRI</li>
<li><a href="https://nai.nasa.gov/directory/sparks-william/">William Sparks</a>, astronomer with the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore</li>
</ul>
<p>After the conference, these scientists will take questions from those attending as well as from the public on social media (using #AskNASA). The live stream begins at 2 pm ET right below.</p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UdmHHpAsMVw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>While no one expects the press conference to tell us that a secret set of seven earth-like planets with massive alien-laden oceans are hiding between Jupiter and Saturn, the press conference should give us a good idea of where we stand in our search for life in the cosmos.</p>


Off World

NASA has scheduled a press conference for Thursday, April 13th at 2 PM to discuss new results about ocean worlds in our solar system.

Today, NASA Is Unveiling a Major Discovery About “The Search for Life Beyond Earth”

Get ready. NASA has a mysterious announcement concerning alien worlds.

<h2>Earth 2.0 (x3)</h2>
<p>European astronomers, using the Belgian <a href="http://www.orca.ulg.ac.be/TRAPPIST/Trappist_main/Home.html">TRAPPIST</a> telescope, have detected the signatures of three very small worlds lurking in the periodic dimming of a nearby red dwarf star. The star itself, bearing the unwieldy designation of <a href="http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=2MASS+J23062928-0502285">2MASS J23062928-0502285</a> (now TRAPPIST-1), is considered to be an “ultracool” dwarf star—straddling the line between red dwarf stars and <a href="https://futurism.com/what-is-the-difference-between-brown-dwarfs-gas-giants-and-stars/">brown dwarfs</a>, its mass is only 8% of the Sun’s, with a diameter scarcely larger than Jupiter’s.</p>
<p>TRAPPIST-1 lies about 40 light-years away, in the constellation Aquarius. Despite the star&#8217;s diminutive size and pitiful luminosity, the finding is important, as stars in this size range are by far the majority of the total stellar population, and their slow-burning interior engines mean<a href="https://futurism.com/videos/last-star-universe-red-dwarfs-explained/"> they&#8217;ll live for a <em>trillion</em> years or more</a>.</p>
<p>Which means the planets of such stars could be habitable for a similar span—greater than the age of the universe and far longer than the meager few billion years allotted our own Earth.</p>
<figure id="attachment_34540" style="width: 692px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img class=" wp-image-34540" src="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2016/04/image-4-600x431.jpeg" alt="Comparison of the sizes of the Sun and the ultracool red dwarf TRAPPIST-1. Credit: ESO" width="692" height="497" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Comparison of the sizes of the Sun and the ultracool red dwarf TRAPPIST-1. Credit: ESO</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Searching for the Abodes of Life</h2>
<p>“This really is a paradigm shift with regards to the planet population and the path towards finding life in the Universe. So far, the existence of such ‘red worlds’ orbiting ultracool dwarf stars was purely theoretical, but now we have not just one lonely planet around such a faint red star but a complete system of three planets!” <a href="http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1615/">says Emmanuël Jehin</a>, coauthor of the paper, which appears today in the journal <em>Nature.</em></p>
<p>Follow-up observations indicate that the planets are roughly Earth-like in size, and that the two innermost have orbital periods of 1.5 and 2.4 days, with the third having a much less well-defined period between 4.5 and 73 days.</p>
<p>“The structure of this planetary system is much more similar in scale to the system of Jupiter’s moons than to that of the Solar System,” observes Michaël Gillon, the study’s lead author.</p>
<p>The two inner planets receive about four times to twice as much radiation, respectively, as the Earth, which places them somewhat within the interior boundary of their system&#8217;s habitable zone; still, there is the possibility that atmospheric or geophysical processes may furnish them with habitable areas.</p>
<p>The third, outlying planet may lie fully within the habitable zone—though, until its precise orbital period is known, it&#8217;s a guess as to whether that&#8217;s the case or not.</p>
<p>The three planets of TRAPPIST-1 are perfect targets for further observations with more sophisticated telescopes; the dim light of the parent star will allow astronomers to study their atmospheric composition, and scan for tell-tale biomarkers. The forthcoming Extremely Large Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope should do nicely.</p>
<p>Until then, we&#8217;ll just have to let our imaginations explore the three worlds of TRAPPIST-1.</p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJINAguHQ5E?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>


Artist’s impression of the ultracool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1 fro

European astronomers have detected three Earth-sized planets transiting the ultracool red dwarf star TRAPPIST-1, some 40 light-years away.  The planets circle their star closely enough that they may be habitable, and are prime targets for follow-up astrobiological surveys.  

A Solar System with Three Earths?  Astronomers Find a Trio of Potentially Habitable Worlds

The three planets, similar in size to Earth and Venus, were found orbiting an “ultracool” red dwarf star nearly 40 light-years away.

<h5>The Air Over There</h5>
<p>Recently, scientists from the University of Edinburgh were using a telescope in Chile to study a planet 75 light-years away called PSO-j318.50-22, and what they found is rather remarkable. Through their observations, the scientists discovered multiple layers of thick and thin clouds that were made of hot dust and drops of molten iron (yes, molten iron). This discovery of these clouds marks the first time that weather patterns have been observed on an alien planet not in our solar system. However, it&#8217;s not the first time we&#8217;ve ever encountered weird rain. Research indicates that it <a href="http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/is-it-raining-diamonds-on-uranus-neptune/">rains diamonds on Uranus and Neptune</a>.</p>
<p>The latest find was made by capturing hundreds of infrared images of the planet and comparing its brightness to other neighboring bodies. The team is hopeful that these findings could improve our ability to determine if, based on our observations of weather patterns, conditions on other planets are capable of sustaining life.</p>
<h5>An Interesting World</h5>
<p>PSO-j318.50-22 is roughly the same size as Jupiter, but is eight times more massive. Oh, and it does not orbit a star. This beast is a rogue planet. Ultimately, the orphan world is far, far younger than our own pale blue dot. Scientists estimate that it is only some 12 million years old. If that&#8217;s not enough, scientists also found that temperatures inside the planet’s clouds reach a blistering 1470°F (800°C).</p>
<p>Study leader Dr. Beth Biller stated in a press release that this find tells us about more than just weather on this world, &#8220;This discovery shows just how ubiquitous clouds are in planets and planet-like objects. We&#8217;re working on extending this technique to giant planets around young stars, and eventually we hope to detect weather in Earth-like exoplanets that may harbour life.&#8221;</p>


For the first time, scientists have observed weather patterns on a sunless planet in an alien solar system.

The Planet with Molten Rain: First Look at Weather on an Alien World

<p>We are all rather familiar with the <a href="https://futurism.com/hubble-finds-thousands-of-unseen-distant-galaxies/" target="_blank">Hubble Space Telescope</a>. This amazing piece of tech opened our eyes to the universe. It allowed us to glimpse thousands of galaxies and a number of other wonders. And of course, we are all anxiously awaiting the splendors that will be uncovered by the <a href="https://futurism.com/why-you-should-be-excited-about-the-james-webb-space-telescope/" target="_blank">James Webb Space Telescope—</a>a device that will be 100 times more powerful than any telescope that came before it.</p>
<p>However, there is another telescope that deserves our attention, the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/overview/index.html" target="_blank">Kepler Space Telescope</a>. As Hubble showed us a universe that is full of galaxies, Kepler showed us a universe that is filled with worlds.</p>
<figure id="attachment_19247" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2014/02/KeplerSunsPlanets_rowe1-full.jpg"><img class="wp-image-19247" src="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2014/02/KeplerSunsPlanets_rowe1-full.jpg" alt="kepler planets" width="600" height="589" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Image showing Kepler discoveries as of 2014. Via NASA</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since its launch, we have discovered thousands of alien worlds, many of which are wild beyond our imaginings. Here are 10 amazingly strange planets that seem like they belong in science fiction.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center">


Hard Science

These are just a fraction of the thousands of alien worlds we've discovered.

10 Alien Planets That Are Stranger Than Science Fiction

And you thought Earth was a weird place.

<div class="mceTemp">
<figure id="attachment_12123" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2013/12/350px-Speciation_modes_edit.svg_.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-12123 " src="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2013/12/350px-Speciation_modes_edit.svg_.png" alt="The four mechanisms of speciation via WikiMedia" width="350" height="320" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">The four mechanisms of speciation, via WikiMedia.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Generally speaking, when talking about<a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1931757,00.html#ixzz2YWTiVN9i" target="_blank"> the evolution of our species</a>, there are two modes of thought. Some people go on and on about how we will transition into something superhuman—humans that have brains the size of small cars, amazing psychic capabilities, and Superman-like physical prowess. Others claim that humans are no longer evolving physically—that technology has put an end to the brutal logic of natural selection and that evolution is now (essentially) dead.</p>
<p>So, what&#8217;s the real answer?</p>
<p>As always, it is found <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/11/091124-origin-of-species-150-darwin-human-evolution.html" target="_blank">somewhere in the middle</a>. Undoubtedly, we are still changing. A 2009 study by the University of Pennsylvania found that, by 2409, women (on average) will be .7 inches shorter (2 cm) and 2 pounds heavier (1 kg). Of course, the scientists in charge of the study note that such small changes could be negated by something as simple as a change in diet. Does that mean that we might not change or evolve?</p>
<p>No, not at all. It just means that it is exceedingly hard to predict what those changes will be or when they will occur. You see, evolution is a very slow—painfully slow—process. So, despite evidence that human evolution still functions, it&#8217;s anyone&#8217;s guess where it will lead us. Artificial selection (such as genetic manipulation or eugenics) could effectively supplant natural selection and allow us to modify ourselves…to determine our own course. Along these same lines, a lethal pandemic or other natural disaster (like a world-ending asteroid) could suddenly make natural selection the prime determinant. Ultimately, in order to predict what future humans will look like, we need to be able to predict the future (something we can’t do, alas).</p>
<p>But let’s speculate about what could happen (note: I am not advocating any position or trying to make moral commentary about what should be done. This is a thought experiment about what could happen):</p>
<h2>Hypothesis 1: Evolution Essentially Dies</h2>
<p><a href="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2013/12/Darth-Vader-Evolution.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-18199" src="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2013/12/Darth-Vader-Evolution-300x168.jpg" alt="Darth Vader Evolution" width="300" height="168" /></a>If populations aren&#8217;t isolated, crossbreeding makes it much less likely for significant mutations to take hold. And many argue that this is exactly where we are now. Humans travel all across the globe, reproducing with people from different cultures. This means that specific genetic mutations are not cultivated and reproduced, but tamed and controlled.</p>
<h2>Hypothesis 2: We Will Continue to Evolve According to Specific Culturally Driven Trait Selections</h2>
<p>We still have the ability to select who we mate with, and our choice is largely determined by cultural factors. For example, we value high intelligence, toned physique, large breasts, etc. If these desirable traits remain somewhat constant, it is possible that they will lead to human evolution. We will become smarter and more physically fit. Along these same lines, we already have the ability to monitor the fetus while it is still in the womb (noting desirable and undesirable traits alike). Individuals could decide to abort offspring with unwanted traits, or use genetic manipulation to ensure desired qualities. In both of these cases, traits that are culturally valuable are propagated.</p>
<h2>Hypothesis 3: Evolution Will Become Electronic</h2>
<p>It is possible that we will transcend our biological bodies and incorporate technology into our biological systems. People who see this as the fate of humanity assert that we will become “transhuman.” We may become cyborgs—part human and part machine. We may even scan our brains and transfer ourselves entirely into machines. Nick Bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford, states, “such beings would be able to travel at the speed of light as an information pattern, download themselves into robots for the occasional stroll through the real world, think faster when running on advanced operating systems, and cut their food budget down to zero.”</p>
<h2>Hypothesis 4: Alien Planets Determine Evolution</h2>
<p><a href="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2013/12/funny-evolution-of-dinosaurs.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-18200" src="https://wp-assets.futurism.com/2013/12/funny-evolution-of-dinosaurs-300x200.jpg" alt="funny-evolution-of-dinosaurs" width="300" height="200" /></a>If we ever make it off Earth, we are going to have to adapt to a totally new environment. This new world may have a different gravity, which could result in a decrease in muscle mass. Many alien worlds are hotter or colder than our own, and they receive different amounts of radiation from their stars. As such, the amount of melanin in our skin may alter, and this could change our skin color or give us super powers!! (I kid. Too much radiation wouldn’t give us super powers, just skin cancer or some other terrible thing).</p>
<p>Either way, most agree that a major change will be needed in order for humans to truly evolve. And we likely won’t even notice these changes as they occur. John Hawks, an anthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, notes that, “Despite up to 30,000 years of partial isolation among populations in places such as Australia and Papua New Guinea, human speciation did not occur….if you think about it, a small group of people went on a one-way voyage to [the Americas] 14,000 years ago, and then when new people [Europeans] showed up 500 years ago, they were still the same species.”</p>
<p>The only way to truly discover the answer to this question is to freeze yourself and wake up in a few thousand years, or even a few hundred thousand years (that&#8217;s how long evolution can take, unless you are a bacteria or something&#8230;which we are not).</p>
</div>


Enhanced Humans

Generally speaking, when talking about the evolution of our species, there are two modes of thought. Some people go on and on about how we will transition into something superhuman—humans that have brains the size of small cars, amazing psychic capabilities, and Superman-like physical prowess. Others claim that humans are no longer evolving physically—that technology has […]

/Alien Planets

Off World

Today, NASA Is Unveiling a Major Discovery About “The Search for Life Beyond Earth”

Off World

A Solar System with Three Earths? Astronomers Find a Trio of Potentially Habitable Worlds

Off World

The Planet with Molten Rain: First Look at Weather on an Alien World

Hard Science

10 Alien Planets That Are Stranger Than Science Fiction

Enhanced Humans

How Long Will Take Humans to Evolve? What Will We Evolve Into?

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