Astronomers have discovered signs of the youngest exoplanet recorded to date, named Elias 2-24 b. If confirmed, this planet orbits within a gap in the gas and dust disk surrounding its host star. Estimated to be approximately one million years old, it is comparable in mass to Jupiter. If the Sun were considered a middle-aged adult, Elias 2-24 b would be akin to an infant just three days old. Image credit: W. M. Keck Observatory / Adam Makarenko.
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NASA may not fulfill its commitment to contribute to the European mission to Venus, known as Envision. This spacecraft, which is set to potentially launch as early as 2031, was originally a collaborative project with NASA over five years ago. However, Anne Grete Straume, the project scientist for Envision, indicated that NASA is unlikely to provide a crucial instrument necessary for the mission.
The Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, NASA's latest flagship observatory, which launched on August 30, may have extended its operational lifespan. It is expected to reach its final orbit with sufficient fuel to operate for up to 22 years, exceeding initial expectations of a five-year primary mission followed by a possible five-year extension. This bonus longevity is due to the spacecraft being lighter than initially planned and benefiting from an exceptionally precise launch and engine burn.
In personnel news, most members of the Artemis II crew have retired from active duty. Commander Reid Wiseman and pilot Victor Glover have both announced their retirements as astronauts but will continue to support NASA in mentoring roles as emeritus astronauts. Additionally, mission specialist Jeremy Hansen retired from the Canadian Space Agency in July. Christina Koch is now the only active astronaut remaining from the Artemis II crew.