EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Global Astronomy Month

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

In honor of Global Astronomy Month, we’re exploring the science of space. Learn how astronomy connects us through curiosity, discovery, and a shared wonder for what lies beyond.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Jul-2025 16:11 ET (30-Jul-2025 20:11 GMT/UTC)

Microscopy reveals signs of life in earth's extremes, boosting search for alien life

Portland State University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from Portland State University focused on identifying signs of life — biosignatures — in extreme environments here on Earth. Researchers investigated whether microbial active motion (e.g., swimming), morphology and optical properties could serve as biosignatures using in situ video microscopy at a range of extreme field sites, many of which had not been previously explored with this technique. These environments are considered strong analogs for extraterrestrial settings, such as those found on other planets and moons in our solar system. The researchers found that at least one of the three biosignatures (motion, morphology, or optical properties) was present in every environmental sample tested, ranging from hot deserts to Arctic ice and alkaline springs. This supports the idea that even in extreme environments, some fraction of microbes exhibit detectable life-indicating characteristics.

Journal: PLOS One

Solar cells made of moon dust could power future space exploration

Cell Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The same dirt that clings to astronauts’ boots may one day keep their lights on. In a study publishing April 3 in the Cell Press journal Device, researchers created solar cells made out of simulated Moon dust. The cells convert sunlight into energy efficiently, withstand radiation damage, and mitigate the need for transporting heavy materials into space, offering a potential solution to one of space exploration's biggest challenges: reliable energy sources.

Journal: Device
Funder: Volkswagen Foundation, Freigeist Q14 Program

Solar wave squeezed Jupiter’s magnetic shield to unleash heat

University of Reading
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A solar wind event from 2017 that hit Jupiter and compressed its magnetosphere created a hot region spanning half Jupiter's circumference.

Journal: Geophysical Research Letters

China’s Chang’e-6 returned lunar samples reveal differences in space environment in the Moon’s near and far side

Science China Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a paper published in National Science Review, a research team from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, reveal differences in the near and far side lunar space environment from Chang’e-6 sample-based evidence. The Chang’e‑6 samples, from the Moon’s far side, lack the vapor deposited layers commonly generated by micrometeorite impacts, which are typically observed in samples from the Moon’s nearside and asteroids. The differences could mainly be driven by the specific space environment of the near and far side of the Moon.

Journal: National Science Review
Funder: Special Foundation of the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Director’s Fund of Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, CAS, the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS

Technologies to mitigate space debris and improve in-orbit satellite services

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Business Announcement

Sustainability in space and the fight against the accumulation of waste produced in Earth orbit are the objectives pursued by PERSEI Space, a company whose partners include two researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and which has developed a space electrodynamic tether technology that is useful in this area.

ISS National Lab launches Orbital Edge Accelerator Program to propel startups into the growing space economy

International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory
Business Announcement

The International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory is taking a giant leap in fostering new space innovators with the launch of the Orbital Edge Accelerator program. This bold initiative is designed to integrate cutting-edge startups and investment partners into the rapidly expanding space economy. Through the accelerator, six pioneering startups will be selected to receive an investment of up to $500,000 each—which is being provided by global investors Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), E2MC, and Stellar Ventures—along with mentorship and the opportunity to launch an ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation. By bridging the gap between early-stage companies and space-based innovation, the Orbital Edge Accelerator program aims to unlock discoveries that can benefit humanity and drive new commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit.

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