Astrobites at DPS 2021: Part 1
We’re covering this week’s AAS Division for Planetary Sciences meeting! Check out theshighlights of the conference.
The Search for a Ninth Planet in the Solar System (No, it’s still not Pluto, sorry.)
Is there a ninth planet in the solar system? Today’s paper examines the orbital clustering of some Kuiper belt objects and where the planet causing these gravitational perturbations may be found.
Was Uranus Impacted?
Uranus spins on its side, and its five main moons have a unique composition and mass distribution. Ever wondered why? Today’s paper offers an explanation.
‘Oumuamua’s Star Trek: Potential Origin in a Giant Molecular Cloud?
Did ‘Oumuamua originate in a nearby Giant Molecular Cloud? Today’s authors continue the debate surrounding the mysterious origins of our first interstellar visitor!
Mercury Has Ice…But Wait, There’s More!
Planetary scientists discover new potential locations of water ice on Mercury, significantly increasing the estimated amount of ice on the planet.
Rewriting the geologic history of Mars one megaflood at a time
The rocks explored by the Curiosity Rover in Gale Crater are sure signs of the past presence of water on the red planet, but how did they form? The prevailing view has been a long-lasting lake environment, potentially suitable for life, but today’s paper offers a much more dramatic explanation.