We study the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems
using advanced telescopes and theoretical techniques.
We develop new technology and ideas that help us understand
our place in the universe and conduct searches for Earth-like planets and
habitable environments around other stars.
As part of the EPOXI mission's objectives to characterize the Earth as a planet for comparison with planets around other stars, the spacecraft looked back at Earth collecting a series of images.
Laboratory News
Supercomputer simulations of dusty disks around sunlike stars show that planets nearly as small as Mars can create patterns that future telescopes may be able to detect. The research points to a new avenue in the search for habitable planets. + Read the NASA press release featuring work done by Christopher Stark and Marc Kuchner
The Spitzer Space Telescope has captured for the first time enough light from planets outside our solar system to identify molecules in their
atmospheres. The landmark achievement is a significant step toward being able to detect possible life on rocky exoplanets and comes years before astronomers had
anticipated.
+ Read the NASA press release featuring work done by Jeremy Richardson
Supercomputer simulations of dusty disks around sunlike stars show that planets nearly as small as Mars can create patterns that future telescopes may be able to detect. The research points to a new avenue in the search for habitable planets. 
The Spitzer Space Telescope has captured for the first time enough light from planets outside our solar system to identify molecules in their
atmospheres. The landmark achievement is a significant step toward being able to detect possible life on rocky exoplanets and comes years before astronomers had
anticipated.
Nature: The magazine cover features 
Science: 
Nature: 