3 Questions: Evidence for planetary formation through gravitational instability
Assistant Professor Richard Teague describes how movement of unstable gas in a protoplanetary disk lends credibility to a secondary theory of planetary formation.
Department
Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences
Study: Rocks from Mars’ Jezero Crater, which likely predate life on Earth, contain signs of water
The presence of organic matter is inconclusive, but the rocks could be scientists’ best chance at finding remnants of ancient Martian life.
MIT School of Science launches Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy
New center taps Institute-wide expertise to improve understanding of, and responses to, sustainability challenges.
Scientists pin down the origins of the moon’s tenuous atmosphere
The barely-there lunar atmosphere is likely the product of meteorite impacts over billions of years, a new study finds.
Scientists find a human “fingerprint” in the upper troposphere’s increasing ozone
Knowing where to look for this signal will help researchers identify specific sources of the potent greenhouse gas.
A bright and airy hub for climate at MIT
Together, the new Moghadam Building and refurbished Green Building form a vibrant new center to tackle pressing global concerns of sustainability and climate change.
Roadmap details how to improve exoplanet exploration using the JWST
Scientists created the step-by-step guide to unlock the potential of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope for identifying habitable worlds in the universe.
Mission directors announced for the Climate Project at MIT
The effort to accelerate climate work at the Institute adds to its leadership team.
License plates of MIT
Custom plates display expressions of scholarship, creativity, and MIT pride among Institute affiliates.
China-based emissions of three potent climate-warming greenhouse gases spiked in past decade
Two studies pinpoint their likely industrial sources and mitigation opportunities.
Q&A: Helping young readers explore curiosity about rocks through discovery and play
“All the Rocks We Love” is a new picture book by MIT Professor Taylor Perron and Lisa Varchol Perron.
Q&A: What past environmental success can teach us about solving the climate crisis
In a new book, Professor Susan Solomon uses previous environmental successes as a source of hope and guidance for mitigating climate change.
Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel
Ammonia could be a nearly carbon-free maritime fuel, but without new emissions regulations, its impact on air quality could significantly impact human health.
Study: Weaker ocean circulation could enhance CO2 buildup in the atmosphere
New findings challenge current thinking on the ocean’s role in storing carbon.
Study: Titan’s lakes may be shaped by waves
MIT researchers find wave activity on Saturn’s largest moon may be strong enough to erode the coastlines of lakes and seas.