To look for life out there, it helps to know how it started here. One of the feature articles in the latest issue of The Planetary Report explores the concept of the last universal common ancestor, or LUCA, an ancient population of organisms from which all life on Earth evolved. By learning more about the conditions in which life first developed on Earth, we can refine our search for life elsewhere. Pictured: Hydrothermal vents deep in the North Atlantic Ocean, where life on Earth may have begun. Image credit: R.B. Pedersen/Centre for Geobiology.
With auroras stretching across more of the planet this year, it’s worth looking up. Vince Ledvina, also known as the Aurora Guy, joins this week’s Planetary Radio to discuss the science behind the northern and southern lights and what they can tell us about our Sun, our planet, and other worlds across our galaxy.
Sept. 14 is International Observe the Moon Night. Celebrate all things lunar with virtual and in-person events around the world, educational resources for people of all ages, Moon-watching tips, and so much more.
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