A planet about 41 light-years from Earth lost one atmosphere but may have developed a new one.
Why it matters: Astronomers are increasingly finding that even distant planets whose features seem easy to explain are actually more complicated than initially expected, hinting at the vast diversity of planets in the universe.
Lightning strikes on the early Earth over the course of 1 billion years could have been key to the formation of the first life on our planet, according to a new study.
The big question: What triggered the first forms of life to develop on Earth? This new study may help scientists find an answer to that enduring question.
Russia, the U.S.' long-standing partner in space, is turning to China for its lunar ambitions.
Why it matters: The U.S. and Russia have been uneasy partners in orbit for decades, but as the two grow farther apart in space, their rift could reshape the geopolitical landscape above Earth — and on it — for years to come.
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday appointed cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as the new health minister, as the number of infections and deaths from COVID-19 continue to spike in the country, per Bloomberg.
Why it matters: Queiroga is Brazil's fourth health minister since the pandemic began. Intensive care units in 25 of Brazil's 26 state capitals are operating at capacity or close to it, and the numbers show no signs of slowing down.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Monday that Facebook is building a tool to connect people to information about where and when to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The big picture: Facebook has been blamed for the spread of anti-vaccination misinformation during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
