Astronomers have found a menagerie of “super-Earth” exoplanets — worlds a few times Earth’s mass — in our galaxy. These new planets range from rocky to gas-rich. They are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, and can be rocky, gaseous, or both. Their true nature remains “shrouded in uncertainty,” because none exist near home, yet NASA notes they are common. A Spectrum of Super-EarthsAs suggested by recent NASA-supported studies, Super-Earths exhibit remarkable diversity in composition and environment. Some may be water worlds, dominated by deep global oceans. Others sit tantalizingly within the habitable zones of their stars—regions where liquid water could exist—with candidates including TOI-715 b, Kepler-62 e, and Kepler-452 b.For example, Kepler-452 b, often dubbed “Earth’s Cousin,” orbits a Sun-like star at nearly 1 AU and may be rocky, although it could be too hot for life. Yet not all super-Earths are serene—some, like Kepler-725 c, follow highly elliptical paths, spending only part of their orbits in temperate zones, while others experience violent day–night temperature swings. There are even extreme examples: LHS 3844 b is believed to be tidally locked, with one side perpetually hot and the other frozen, and likely lacks an atmosphere altogether.Scientific Significance and ChallengesSuper-Earths hold the key to unraveling the complexities of planetary evolution—yet they also complicate the narrative. They are far more common than Earth-sized planets, and challenge the traditional categories of terrestrial versus giant planets.Their very abundance raises questions: Why does our solar system lack such planets? Was one present early on and later lost or destroyed? Moreover, defining “super-Earth” remains debated; its use refers strictly to mass (or size), not habitability or similarity to Earth. As upcoming space missions like PLATO and JWST begin probing exoplanet atmospheres, researchers hope to clarify which super-Earths are rocky, watery, gaseous—or perhaps harbor signs of life.
Source: gadgets360.com
Cut the cord in style with $200 off the Starlink Mini
If traditional internet service providers aren’t available in your area, your options may be somewhat limited. Fortunately, alternative solutions have improved significantly in recent years, with 5G and satellite internet now offering reliable options. The latter is especially useful for accessing the internet in very remote areas, requiring only a clear view of the sky to function … [Read More...]
7 ways Synology feels like Apple — and not always in a good way
If you’ve spent time around Synology and its NAS models, you would’ve noticed that it shares a lot of similarities with Apple and the way it operates. I don’t mean it in a superficial, copycat way, but in how the experience is shaped from the ground up. It has a nice software ecosystem, and along with that, there are some restrictions that look straight out of Apple’s playbook. And as a result, … [Read More...]
How to change your Apple Account password
Your Apple Account is the key to everything you do on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro. It keeps your purchases, subscriptions and personal data secure. If you think your account has been hacked, if you’ve logged in on a shared device or if you haven’t updated your password in a while, it’s a good idea to update it. Apple officially rebranded Apple ID as Apple Account … [Read More...]
Can tap-to-pay save public transportation?
TransportationMass TransitMore cities are adopting OMNY-like open-loop payment systems for transit. Can it keep transit from slipping into a death spiral?Oct 5, 2025, 12:00 PM UTCTransportationMass TransitMore cities are adopting OMNY-like open-loop payment systems for transit. Can it keep transit from slipping into a death spiral?Oct 5, 2025, 12:00 PM UTCAndrew J. Hawkins is transportation … [Read More...]
The best lists to keep — and the best ways to keep them
Plus, in this week’s Installer: Amazon’s smart new stuff, OpenAI’s social network, and much more.Oct 5, 2025, 12:00 PM UTCDavid Pierce is editor-at-large and Vergecast co-host with over a decade of experience covering consumer tech. Previously, at Protocol, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 100, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If … [Read More...]
Windows has changed how it handles DVDs, but you probably didn't know that
For years, putting a DVD into your Windows PC was as simple as dropping a disc into the tray and letting the movie play. Windows Media Player would spin up, autoplay would kick in, and before you knew it you were watching a film or installing software. That seamless experience is gone in modern versions of Windows, though, and unless you've tried to use a DVD recently, you might not even realize … [Read More...]
Quantum Computers Achieve Unconditional Advantage Over Classical Machines, Study Shows
A quantum computer has outperformed conventional computers for the first time, by addressing a problem that classical machines cannot manage. Classical computers use bits, which can be either 0 or 1. However, quantum computers use qubits and that can exist in multiple states at the same time. This is adheres quantum machines to store and process more information. This accomplishment pointing that … [Read More...]
The best monitor upgrade I ever made wasn't resolution or refresh rate
Some of the best PC upgrades have nothing to do with the internals of your system. A new monitor can be a huge breath of fresh air for your setup, especially if it has a higher resolution and refresh rate than your previous one. While my recent upgrades varied in both of those categories, the reason why it was so transformative had nothing to do with either of those specs. It's all in the panel … [Read More...]
Stock up on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $20
Microsoft caused a lot of outrage this week, dropping a huge piece of news that it would be raising the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $30/month. With that price increase, Microsoft is also beefing up its service as well, but that doesn't mean the price increase doesn't hurt any less. Source: xda-developers.com … [Read More...]
NASA Advances Toward Artemis II Launch With Orion Stage Adapter Integration on SLS Rocket
NASA has successfully completed the Artemis II mission by combining the Orion stage adapter with the Space Launch System rocket at Space Center, Florida. The adapter built by engineers in Alabama connects the rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage to the Orion spacecraft. It holds a protective diaphragm to protect Orion from dangerous gases during launch. Later, the stage adapter will release … [Read More...]