LPL Spotlight Stories
Pandora, a Keen-eyed Satellite Built to Study Exoplanets, Takes Flight
After clearing its last hurdle on its way to space, the University of Arizona-led Pandora satellite mission launched into orbit, where it will study at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars over long periods of time.
Life on Lava: How Microbes Colonize New Habitats
Taking advantage of a "natural laboratory" in Iceland, a research team from the University of Arizona studied how microbes colonize fresh lava flows as soon as they cooled.
A New Look at TRAPPIST-1e, an Earth-sized, Habitable-zone Exoplanet
Recently reported methane signatures detected by the James Webb Space Telescope could be a hint to it potentially harboring life, but University of Arizona researcher Sukrit Ranjan urges caution.
OSIRIS-APEX Spacecraft Takes Selfie with Earth During Flyby
The spacecraft of the U of A-led OSIRIS-APEX mission performed a "slingshot" maneuver around Earth as part of its journey to catch up with its mission target, asteroid Apophis.
U of A's Mars Camera Gets Close Look at Comet from Interstellar Space
HiRISE, a LPL-led Mars imaging camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, found itself closer than any other imaging tool to comet 3I/ATLAS as it passed through the solar system.
Moon's Biggest Impact Crater Made a Radioactive Splash
New analyses of the largest impact crater on the moon reveal unexpected insights into its tumultuous past. They also suggest that once astronauts return to the moon they will have access to a veritable gold mine of scientific clues.
Asteroid Bennu is a Time Capsule of Materials Bearing Witness to Its Origin and Transformation Over Billions of Years
Three new papers reveal yet more secrets from samples collected by the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory led OSIRIS-REx mission from asteroid Bennu.
An Emissary from Interstellar Space
Discovered only a week ago, comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third known visitor from outside the solar system. LPL's Catalina Sky Survey Director Carson Fuls explains what makes the comet special - and why we can only guess where it came from.
U of A Earns Top Marks in Space Science, Geosciences, Water Resources in New US News Global Ranking
The U of A earned its best ranking in the space science category, rising four spots to No. 4 globally and No. 2 among U.S. public universities.