Skywatch

Hubble studies a strange, ancient visitor to our galaxy. Join HubbleWatch for a discussion of the "Methuselah star" HD 140283, a fast-moving star with a long and odd past.

• Hubble Finds Birth Certificate of Oldest Known Star

Using new technology, researchers have discovered an important pair of pre-biotic molecules in interstellar space. The new discoveries indicate that some basic chemicals are key steps on the path to life and may have formed on dusty ice grains floating between stars.

• National Radio Astronomy Observatory news release on the discovery
• The Daily Galaxy discusses the discovery
• NASA on meteorites and life's components

New NASA research shows that hydrogen peroxide is abundant across much of the surface of Jupiter's moon, Europa. If this material could mix into the ocean below the moon’s icy surface, it could be important energy supply for simple forms of life.

• Keck Observatory news release on the discovery
• NASA discusses the findings
• NASA’s Europa overview