EurekAlert! In the Spotlight

This May brings a rare celestial treat, two full moons in one month! We’re exploring the science of space and how astronomy connects us through curiosity, discovery, and a shared wonder for what lies beyond.

Giant planet’s slimmer profile

Weizmann Institute of Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a new study published today in Nature Astronomy, Weizmann scientists, who led an international team from Italy, the US, France and Switzerland, provide the most precise determination yet of Jupiter’s size and shape.

Journal: Nature Astronomy

30-Apr-2026

The DAMPE satellite sheds light on the origin of cosmic rays

Université de Genève
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A century after their discovery, cosmic rays—particles of extreme energy originating from the far reaches of the universe—remain a mystery to scientists. The DAMPE (Dark Matter Particle Explorer) space telescope is tackling this phenomenon, particularly investigating the role that dark matter may play in their formation. This international mission, which includes the University of Geneva (UNIGE), has made a major breakthrough by highlighting a universal feature of these particles. The results are published in the journal Nature.

Journal: Nature

30-Apr-2026

Shadowed cold traps could unlock the mystery of lunar ice

Weizmann Institute of Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science, together with collaborators in the United States, have uncovered new scientific evidence showing that ice has been gradually accumulating on the Moon’s poles for at least 1.5 billion years. Their new study, published today in Nature Astronomy, identifies ancient “cold traps” on the lunar surface and designates them as prime targets for future missions.

Journal: Nature Astronomy

30-Apr-2026

A Welsh contribution to the next phase of Mars exploration

Aberystwyth

When the European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin rover eventually begins drilling beneath the rust‑red surface of Mars, part of the mission’s scientific “eyes” and decision‑making systems will trace their origins to Wales.

29-Apr-2026

Drone radar reveals buried glaciers on Earth, guiding the search for water on Mars

University of Arizona
Peer-Reviewed Publication

University of Arizona researchers launched drones equipped with ground-penetrating radar over debris-covered glaciers in Alaska and Wyoming that resemble buried ice deposits found on Mars. The team successfully mapped the thickness of rocky debris covering the ice, showing that drone-based radar could one day help scientists locate and access subsurface ice on Mars.

Funder: NASA Headquarters, NASA Headquarters, CNRS-UA International Research Center

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

Latest News Releases

Giant planet’s slimmer profile

The DAMPE satellite sheds light on the origin of cosmic rays

Shadowed cold traps could unlock the mystery of lunar ice

A Welsh contribution to the next phase of Mars exploration

Drone radar reveals buried glaciers on Earth, guiding the search for water on Mars

The most common planets in the galaxy don’t appear around the most common stars