Topic: La Silla Observatory

Milky Way's neighbor galaxy closer than thought

Astronomers in Chile announced that they are able to measure more accurately the distance to Large Magellanic Cloud, a galaxy adjacent to the Milky Way.

Newfound 'super-Earth' could be habitable for life

HD 40307g is one of three newly discovered worlds around the parent star, which was already known to host three planets. The finds thus boost the star's total planetary population to six.

New spiral galaxy image shows pair of supernovae

The European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile captured a very detailed image of a galaxy that hosted two supernova explosions within the past 30 years.

Study indicates existence of billions of habitable alien planets in Milky Way (+video)

A survey of red dwarf stars suggests that, in our galaxy alone, there are tens of billions of planets orbiting their stars' 'habitable zones.' 

Super-Earth: Newly discovered planet could potentially support life

Super-Earth: The newfound haul of alien planets includes 16 super-Earths, which are potentially rocky worlds that are more massive than our planet. One in particular has captured astronomers' attention because it orbits at the edge of its star's habitable zone, suggesting conditions could be ripe to support life.

In search for life, more planet 'candidates' are found. Are any just right?

For a planet to support life, it faces long odds: It has to be the right size, right composition, and right distance from its star. On Monday astronomers announced a trove of new planet 'candidates.'

Hot and heavy ‘super Earths’