Space
International researchers, including several from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's LASP, have reported the first evidence of a coronal mass ejection carrying both hot and cool plasma from a young star—suggesting such ejections from the early sun may have affected the chemistry of Earth's atmosphere and the emergence and evolution of life on Earth.
A new study led by space chemist Jordy Bouwman may reveal a missing link in how certain organic molecules form in outer space. They include buckminsterfullerine, sometimes known as the "buckyball," a molecule that bears a striking resemblance to a soccer ball.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø researchers continued to deliver meaningful, positive outcomes in the university's public research mission through strong results in fiscal year 2024–25.
Planetary scientist Shannon Curry has spent her career exploring why Earth, Mars and Venus look so different today. Her findings may shape how scientists search for life in other worlds, and could help keep astronauts safe as they venture into space.
A new instrument built at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø will capture tiny particles streaming into our solar system from the galaxy beyond.
Maryam Shakiba is studying complex composite materials with machine learning to make stronger and lighter aircraft for the Navy.
Over several white-knuckle months, an operations team at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics brought a small satellite back from the dead—just in time to explore a region of space known as Very Low Earth Orbit.
Researchers are helping lead efforts to plan NASA's next-generation large space telescope, the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which will be the first telescope specifically designed to identify habitable, Earth-like planets.
A company founded by LASP researchers has been awarded one of ten NASA TechLeap Prizes for the development of a system that will use electron beams to charge lunar dust to repel and remove it from surfaces, including spacesuits and solar panels.
Ten years ago, a pioneering spacecraft flew past Pluto, sending startling images of the dwarf planet back to Earth. Current and former students at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø reflect on their time working on the mission.