Science and Discovery

Planetary Science

2 articles

Editorial illustration for Madagascar's 'Moon Rock' Reveals Clues to Earth's Ancient Supercontinent
Earth & Environment

Madagascar's 'Moon Rock' Reveals Clues to Earth's Ancient Supercontinent

Madagascar's Saririaky anorthosite massif, a rock formation resembling lunar highlands, provides crucial insights into Earth's ancient supercontinent assembly. Studying this terrestrial analogue helps scientists understand planetary crust formation and evolution.

David Grossman·October 12, 2026
Editorial illustration for How Scientists Determine if an Exoplanet Could Support Life
Cosmos & Space

How Scientists Determine if an Exoplanet Could Support Life

Scientists assess exoplanet habitability by examining the host star, the planet's orbit within the habitable zone, and its physical characteristics like size, mass, and density. This multi-step process, increasingly aided by machine learning, helps prioritize promising candidates for further study in the search for life beyond Earth.

Marcus Cole·October 10, 2026