Astronomers identify 27 candidate planets orbiting… · Frontiers 🛰️
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> **Astronomers identify 27 candidate planets orbiting binary stars in distant solar systems.**
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### Top 15 Space & Astronomy Stories
1. **Falcon 9 Delivers South Korean Satellite and 45 Payloads — SpaceNews**
A Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a South Korean imaging satellite along with 45 rideshare payloads into orbit.
This mission underscores the increasing popularity of SpaceX's rideshare program for deploying multiple satellites at once. Source: [spacenews.com](https://spacenews.com/falcon-9-launches-south-korean-satellite-and-45-rideshare-payloads/)
2. **NASA Releases 12,000 Artemis II Mission Images — mezha.net**
NASA has made public 12,000 images from the Artemis II flight, featuring the Moon, Earth, and deep space.
The collection offers fresh perspectives that will aid in refining plans for upcoming lunar explorations. Source: [Google News](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMic0FVX3lxTE9UeGl2QXBBM085ZENpLU1KdjQ0WDc1ZjlLY0Z0THRnUEVEdFBJeTE3SWJfWmpDdWFoSlAwam1BcnBzTjN1ODh5UzNHeENqbVpISXBMMVBCMjJJWV9za1pBcml0VmRHRkRpTTQxbXNwM1dzZG8?oc=5)
3. **Astronomers Find 27 Candidate Planets Around Binary Stars — The Guardian**
Researchers have discovered 27 potential planets that orbit two stars simultaneously in remote solar systems.
Such findings help scientists understand how planets can form and endure in the complex gravitational fields of binary star systems. Source: [Google News](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilwFBVV95cUxQQlEzeGVBZ1N1a1FrR2kwRzI5MjRpT1hBTjhabnpkWDUwWFhkUjBxUXAzR3pmUG1JVTNIcS1QY1AxVUh1S1FMSHBYcGg3RlI2c2hDd1Y5SlJhd2JIYklQX0huYW50YXM4SUxfRm1EaFIyUmIwb2pXNkZ5YmZUMjJOOTJDSWx2d2ZRMkE3UGlRbllva3BZTVhv?oc=5)
4. **Hektoria Glacier Sets Record for Rapid Ice Loss — NASA**
Satellite data reveals the Hektoria Glacier in Antarctica retreated at an unprecedented rate, shedding large volumes of ice.
This observation emphasizes the power of satellite monitoring to track and analyze swift environmental changes in polar regions. Source: [science.nasa.gov](https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/record-setting-retreat-of-hektoria-glacier/)
5. **Tanzania Completes Satellite Development Procurement — Orbital Today**
Tanzania has finished procuring the necessary components and services to develop its national satellite.
Completing this step advances the nation's efforts to establish a presence in space technology and satellite operations. Source: [Google News](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxQV3BPcE9CS0xSWl82N1lWOVdyRkE3SEZxSjBNWTVkcXdVQjNhRVJQUXNhMl9hV25XTmg1LTRaeEFjYWVzLTVIZVVJbWpETkpUSTJpajFzZGZwMG00SUo2a244SHVRMDhwQjA4VG1zdV92SExFNHpPQnVjRkRIVUVNV0pTa2NaUmRmZUpuYm8yRGwtMGc1eFZHc3FtVXg1aE0?oc=5)
6. **NASA Funds Research into Space Dust at Ole Miss — WREG.com**
The University of Mississippi received NASA funding to investigate the properties and effects of space dust.
Studying space dust is essential for developing better protection strategies for future spacecraft and crewed missions. Source: [Google News](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikAFBVV95cUxQSmlOM0N5dU4zUThPZ09uT0dEanNMMmQwbC1aWnJyVEIxdDYzLUo1djkyam8tcXZrUGt0MUFrdW1FY2t4VzVLU2prajdoRE16NkZnRnJ6TEJfR055Mm1MZEx4TFdPcHM1ezZ4TlRsX1QyMGVTUEZBUU1LdmprdDEwOU96bkFWRG9fZ0lOdDBrMHLSAZYBQVVfeXFMT3puTThpaWE1Wk41dnlFTGp4enktWTRFaW85eGpHUkZUQnQ4RHllYlBpR3JQTGgxNXNGYXk4b3ZXLXZuVmZlcEswZjl5ak5qODNZU3lPTGVOZTZZTVZqeEl3a3BrSHd6aTNUNi11cWg2REhVbEtjWFlNUjFGclczTVpxN05RZHhXV0tiZFNtTUZfVDJFWUJ3?oc=5)
7. **Hubble Images Show Star Formation in Trifid Nebula — r/space**
Hubble has captured detailed views of ongoing star birth within the Trifid Nebula to mark its 36th anniversary.
These images allow astronomers to study the processes of stellar evolution in one of the galaxy's active star-forming regions. Source: [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/space/comments/1t2za94/hubble_captures_evolving_star_birth_in_the_trifid/)
8. **NGA Expands Access for Commercial Technology Vendors — SpaceNews**
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency plans to open more of its programs to additional commercial vendors through a new office.
This initiative seeks to accelerate the integration of innovative commercial solutions into intelligence and mapping efforts. Source: [spacenews.com](https://spacenews.com/national-geospatial-intelligence-agency-to-open-programs-to-more-vendors/)
9. **Mozambique's First Analog Astronaut Aims for NASA — CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE**
The first Mozambican analog astronaut is working to contribute skills and represent the country at NASA.
This effort highlights the expanding role of African talent in international space programs and analog research. Source: [Google News](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxNTWZlNTRzNWRCdXQ3bDZCWTNPNWRWVTU5QjgtLTVhcGhtaUZfeng2VzFEV18wZjRLbGZSc1V4aXNVbl80LVd1TWk0Wk5RQkJzcWxtNGVJdmI0QS1pTnVneERBcDlIRXBQMmQyRkZCWGNnR0Nka3hIcWVWSEFiUkV4aWpGeWNNVFgxM25TaGpheHQwckw0NWRvMldOMWlta3NfUng5SmlZLWVRdU5DVXc?oc=5)
10. **Mountain Home Students Connect Live with ISS Astronaut — Mountain Home Observer**
Students in Mountain Home participated in a live session with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station.
Direct interactions like this can spark interest in STEM fields and space exploration among the next generation. Source: [Google News](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiswFBVV95cUxOWGozMWlENmFkd0twVFR3Z2Fsb20tYVNxb0FzWncya192eC1HMDF0cjZjdjhsUDdicjF5eFFEdkVrcUM3RG1qSDJsWElial9uZ0ktRDczYlVhUGlDODctVC1vdTI5Mkx4ODdkaDVlcE1xR2NWUnNCR09lTDZDRzI2UUhSQXV2WmxEVExfMV9kQ3U3QktmZFdnUm5CRWYwRnVQWHFvY0sxWmdlLWtGV1F4NmpkQQ?oc=5)
11. **Dwarf 3 Tests Star Trail Mode with Six-Hour Exposure — r/astronomy**
An astronomer conducted the first test of the Dwarf 3's dedicated star trail mode, stacking 720 thirty-second exposures over six hours.
The image reveals colorful star arcs and demonstrates how simple app-based stacking can produce striking results without complex post-processing. Source: [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Astronomy/comments/1t38s1j/first_test_of_the_dwarf_3s_star_trail_mode_720/)
12. **Amateur Captures Moon with ASI676MM Camera — r/astronomy**
Using a new ASI676MM camera with a Takahashi telescope, an amateur astronomer produced high-resolution images of the Moon despite poor seeing conditions.
The results highlight advancements in affordable astrophotography equipment and the dedication of citizen scientists to lunar observation. Source: [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Astronomy/comments/1t38xll/asi676mm_aint_no_joke/)
### Cosmic Spotlight Astronomers have identified 27 potential planets orbiting binary star systems far from our own. These candidates were detected by observing the subtle dimming of starlight as the planets pass in front of their hosts. If verified, they would represent a significant addition to the known population of circumbinary planets and provide new data on formation processes in multiple-star environments. Observations like these push the boundaries of what we can detect with current technology. What unique challenges do these planets face in maintaining their orbits around two stars? ### Cosmic Deep Dive: How Star Trails Reveal Earth's Rotation A six-hour exposure captures stars sweeping exactly 90 degrees across the sky because Earth rotates at a rate that completes a full turn in 23 hours and 56 minutes. Picture setting up a wide-angle lens pointed north and letting the camera run continuously: the planet's steady turn moves the sensor relative to the fixed stars, turning points of light into graceful arcs. Hotter stars burn blue-white while cooler ones shine orange-red, with the colors emerging from their surface temperatures rather than any camera trick. In the test image, Polaris draws a small arc since it sits 0.7 degrees from the true north celestial pole. This method requires no special tracking mount, just patience and clear skies for the full duration. Over time, these trails can reveal the precise geometry of our planet's axis and spin. Yet the exact way atmospheric conditions and interstellar dust influence the visibility of those colors remains a puzzle that observers continue to explore. Today's reports range from record ice loss on Earth to new planetary candidates and innovative imaging techniques, proving the cosmos keeps offering fresh wonders. |
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| Issue #62 · Fascinating Frontiers · May 4, 2026 |
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