James Webb Telescope Finds — Then Loses — Giant Exoplanet Near Alpha Centauri That May Have Water

Robert Starling    Senin, Agustus 11, 2025    Comment   

James Webb Telescope Finds — Then Loses — Giant Exoplanet Near Alpha Centauri That May Have Water

Illustration of a giant exoplanet near the star Alpha Centauri A observed by the James Webb Space Telescope.

An international team of astronomers has made a surprising discovery. In 2024, the James Webb Space Telescope detected a giant exoplanet about the size of Saturn near Alpha Centauri A, one of the closest stars to Earth. 

But in 2025, efforts to locate the planet again completely failed. Scientists suspect the planet temporarily “vanished” by being hidden in the glare of its star, making it invisible to Webb’s instruments.

Based on researchers’ calculations, the object could reappear in 2026 or 2027. If confirmed, it would become the closest known world located in the habitable zone—the region around a star where liquid water could exist. However, its massive size makes the likelihood of Earth-like life very low. 

“The signal was extremely faint, right at the edge of the telescope’s capabilities. Any conclusions will require independent verification,” said one of the scientists involved in the study.

Alpha Centauri is a triple-star system made up of Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and the red dwarf Proxima Centauri. 

Located just four light-years away, it’s considered a prime target for searching for planets beyond our solar system. 

To observe the mysterious object, the team used Webb’s infrared instrument equipped with a coronagraph—a device that blocks starlight to reveal fainter objects nearby.

In 2027, the search will be joined by the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. It’s expected to scan an area of the sky 100 times larger than Hubble with comparable resolution and will feature an experimental coronagraph for directly imaging exoplanets. 

With both telescopes working together, the chances of confirming this giant planet’s existence could greatly improve, potentially opening a new chapter in the search for alien worlds.

Curiosity Finds ‘Coral’ on Mars, Strong Evidence the Red Planet Once Had Oceans

Robert Starling    Sabtu, Agustus 09, 2025    Comment   

Curiosity Finds ‘Coral’ on Mars, Strong Evidence the Red Planet Once Had Oceans

Coral-like rock formation found on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover.

NASA’s Curiosity rover has made another fascinating discovery on Mars. This time, the robotic explorer spotted a rock on the planet’s surface that looks strikingly similar to sea coral found on Earth. While it’s not a living organism, scientists say the formation likely dates back billions of years when Mars still had oceans, according to a NASA statement on Friday (Aug 8, 2025).

NASA explained that these coral-like structures formed when minerals seeped into cracks in the rock, and flowing water eventually evaporated, leaving behind crystal deposits. Over time, Martian winds shaped them into the intricate patterns we see today. “Formations like this are traces of Mars’ wet past and its potential habitability,” said a spokesperson for the Curiosity science team.

Coral-like rock formation found on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover.

The discovery also strengthens the theory that Mars’ water didn’t completely vanish. Most of it now exists as ice at the poles, but some scientists believe there could still be liquid water hidden beneath the surface—possibly in underground oceans. “Every unique mineral structure gives us another piece of the puzzle to understand Mars’ geological history,” NASA added.

This find joins a growing list of “oddities” captured on Mars. In previous missions, Curiosity and its newer counterpart, the Perseverance rover, have photographed rocks shaped like a “donut,” an “avocado,” as well as formations resembling a “cat’s face” and a “bear’s snout.” While they may look like fun coincidences, these images serve as valuable visual evidence for future research, including the search for signs of ancient life on the Red Planet.

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks on August 13, Here’s How to Watch It

Ria Sartika    Sabtu, Agustus 09, 2025    Comment   

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks on August 13, Here’s How to Watch It

Perseid meteor shower streaking across the night sky over mountains and starry background.

Jakarta – Skywatchers, mark your calendars! The peak of the 2025 Perseid meteor shower will take place on the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13. The event will be visible across Indonesia, but this year’s viewing will be a bit challenging due to the bright Moon just days after its full phase, which may block the faintest meteors. Still, it remains one of the most anticipated celestial shows of the year.

According to astronomers, the Perseids can typically produce up to 100 meteors per hour at peak activity. However, with the Moon at 84% illumination this year, only the brighter meteors are expected to stand out clearly. “The best time to watch is in the pre-dawn hours, when the Moon is setting in the west and the eastern sky becomes darker,” said Rudi Pratama, an amateur astronomer from the Jakarta Amateur Astronomy Association (HAAJ).

The Perseids originate from debris and icy particles left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. When these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of around 60 kilometers per second, friction with the air causes them to burn up, creating bright streaks of light across the night sky. In 2025, the Perseids will be active from July 17 to August 24, but the most spectacular activity will happen during the peak night. The best viewing spots are open areas far from light pollution, such as beaches, mountains, or rural regions.

Despite the Moon’s interference, stargazers remain hopeful for some breathtaking moments worth capturing on camera. This phenomenon is not only visually stunning but also offers a great chance for the public to engage with astronomy. If the skies are clear, the 2025 Perseid meteor shower could deliver an unforgettable night under the stars.