Stephen Kane
@exocytherean.bsky.social
Planetary Astrophysicist at the University of California, Riverside. I like Venus. A lot. Exoplanets are also kinda cool.
Reposted by Stephen Kane
🔵 In 2025, the NASA/ESA/CSA #Webb Space Telescope found a new moon orbiting Uranus! Called S/2025 U1, it joined the 28 other known moons around the ice giant. Webb’s infrared view also revealed the planet’s rings and atmospheric details in stunning clarity 🧪🔭
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed... @stsci.edu
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed... @stsci.edu
January 3, 2026 at 11:27 AM
🔵 In 2025, the NASA/ESA/CSA #Webb Space Telescope found a new moon orbiting Uranus! Called S/2025 U1, it joined the 28 other known moons around the ice giant. Webb’s infrared view also revealed the planet’s rings and atmospheric details in stunning clarity 🧪🔭
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed... @stsci.edu
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed... @stsci.edu
Happy New Year from our sister planet!
January 1, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Happy New Year from our sister planet!
The suggestion that Mariah Carey is a Necron makes sense on multiple axes.
December 27, 2025 at 2:40 AM
The suggestion that Mariah Carey is a Necron makes sense on multiple axes.
Reposted by Stephen Kane
AGU petition to save NCAR. Please share widely! agu.quorum.us/campaign/151...
Save NCAR from being dismantled today!
The Trump Administration has vowed to dissolve the center that provides critical extreme weather and climate data for our nation.
agu.quorum.us
December 18, 2025 at 12:23 AM
AGU petition to save NCAR. Please share widely! agu.quorum.us/campaign/151...
Reposted by Stephen Kane
🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨
We're putting together a Planetary Science Community Meeting at the Kentucky Science Center in Louisville, KY on April 14–16 2026.
This is a grass-roots meeting for planetary scientists to gather, discuss, and organize to address pressing issues our community faces.
(1/2)
We're putting together a Planetary Science Community Meeting at the Kentucky Science Center in Louisville, KY on April 14–16 2026.
This is a grass-roots meeting for planetary scientists to gather, discuss, and organize to address pressing issues our community faces.
(1/2)
December 17, 2025 at 10:50 PM
🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨
We're putting together a Planetary Science Community Meeting at the Kentucky Science Center in Louisville, KY on April 14–16 2026.
This is a grass-roots meeting for planetary scientists to gather, discuss, and organize to address pressing issues our community faces.
(1/2)
We're putting together a Planetary Science Community Meeting at the Kentucky Science Center in Louisville, KY on April 14–16 2026.
This is a grass-roots meeting for planetary scientists to gather, discuss, and organize to address pressing issues our community faces.
(1/2)
The Archean Earth textbook is now available!
www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-...
You can directly access the solar system review chapter written by myself and my co-authors here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/chap...
www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-...
You can directly access the solar system review chapter written by myself and my co-authors here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/chap...
The Archean Earth
The Archean Earth: Tempos and Events, Second Edition is a process-based reference book that focuses on the most important events in early Earth,...
www.sciencedirect.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The Archean Earth textbook is now available!
www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-...
You can directly access the solar system review chapter written by myself and my co-authors here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/chap...
www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-...
You can directly access the solar system review chapter written by myself and my co-authors here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/chap...
One of the primary joys in being a professor is witnessing the success of the folks in your lab. I feel very inspired and blessed to have such brilliant people working in my group.
December 8, 2025 at 10:47 PM
One of the primary joys in being a professor is witnessing the success of the folks in your lab. I feel very inspired and blessed to have such brilliant people working in my group.
Reposted by Stephen Kane
Happy 14 orbits to the NASA #Exoplanet Archive!
Launched on December 5, 2011, the archive has become THE destination for published exoplanet parameters. I've been using it since its inception, and now I'm lucky enough to get to help maintain it and make it better for all astronomers!
Launched on December 5, 2011, the archive has become THE destination for published exoplanet parameters. I've been using it since its inception, and now I'm lucky enough to get to help maintain it and make it better for all astronomers!
December 5, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Happy 14 orbits to the NASA #Exoplanet Archive!
Launched on December 5, 2011, the archive has become THE destination for published exoplanet parameters. I've been using it since its inception, and now I'm lucky enough to get to help maintain it and make it better for all astronomers!
Launched on December 5, 2011, the archive has become THE destination for published exoplanet parameters. I've been using it since its inception, and now I'm lucky enough to get to help maintain it and make it better for all astronomers!
I'm excited to share my new paper regarding the effect of Mars on the Milankovitch cycles of Earth, and how sensitive those cycles are to the Martian mass. The paper is accepted for publication in PASP and is available here: arxiv.org/abs/2512.02108
The Dependence of Earth Milankovitch Cycles on Martian Mass
The Milankovitch cycles of Earth result from gravitational interactions with other bodies in the Solar System. These interactions lead to slow changes in the orbit and angular momentum vector of Earth...
arxiv.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:43 PM
I'm excited to share my new paper regarding the effect of Mars on the Milankovitch cycles of Earth, and how sensitive those cycles are to the Martian mass. The paper is accepted for publication in PASP and is available here: arxiv.org/abs/2512.02108
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a breathtakingly beautiful film, proving once again that some classic tales are worth revisiting.
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a breathtakingly beautiful film, proving once again that some classic tales are worth revisiting.
I'm excited to present my analysis of the Gaia-4 and Gaia-5 planetary systems, contained planets that I refer to as "wrecking balls". Unlike most other similar planets I have worked on, these have true mass measurements from RV+astrometry. arxiv.org/abs/2510.23792
The Dynamical Environment within the Habitable Zone of the Gaia-4 and Gaia-5 Planetary Systems
Exoplanetary systems exhibit a broad range of architectures which, in turn, enable a variety of dynamical environments. Many of the known planetary systems do not transit the host star, and so we meas...
arxiv.org
October 29, 2025 at 4:06 AM
I'm excited to present my analysis of the Gaia-4 and Gaia-5 planetary systems, contained planets that I refer to as "wrecking balls". Unlike most other similar planets I have worked on, these have true mass measurements from RV+astrometry. arxiv.org/abs/2510.23792
Reposted by Stephen Kane
Together with Kristina Kislyakova, Louis Müller, Anuja Raorane, and @exocytherean.bsky.social we are organising the session "Early Solar system: crucial timings for habitability" at @egu.eu 2026. Please consider submitting an abstract if you work on these issues. :)
Session PS5.2
meetingorganizer.copernicus.org
October 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Together with Kristina Kislyakova, Louis Müller, Anuja Raorane, and @exocytherean.bsky.social we are organising the session "Early Solar system: crucial timings for habitability" at @egu.eu 2026. Please consider submitting an abstract if you work on these issues. :)
Just because the US government is shut down, it doesn't mean your voice is. Contact your representatives and tell them what NASA science means to you. Your voice will help to inspire the generations that come after us. Learn more here: www.planetary.org/save-nasa-sc... @planetarysociety.bsky.social
Save NASA Science - Action Hub
NASA science faces record cuts. Take action to stop it—we'll show you how.
www.planetary.org
October 18, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Just because the US government is shut down, it doesn't mean your voice is. Contact your representatives and tell them what NASA science means to you. Your voice will help to inspire the generations that come after us. Learn more here: www.planetary.org/save-nasa-sc... @planetarysociety.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Kane
In ~5 years, we as a species are on track to embark on an incredible era of discovery, unlocking the secrets of the planet Venus. The missions @ESA_Envision, DAVINCI, and VERITAS will reveal Venus as we have never seen her before. But why should YOU care about our sister world?
June 19, 2025 at 8:14 PM
In ~5 years, we as a species are on track to embark on an incredible era of discovery, unlocking the secrets of the planet Venus. The missions @ESA_Envision, DAVINCI, and VERITAS will reveal Venus as we have never seen her before. But why should YOU care about our sister world?
Dear colleagues, especially those early career, whatever happens over the coming days/weeks, know that many are fighting for you behind the scenes, including organizations such as @aas.org, @agu.org, and @planetarysociety.bsky.social. We believe in the value of @NASA science!
September 30, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Dear colleagues, especially those early career, whatever happens over the coming days/weeks, know that many are fighting for you behind the scenes, including organizations such as @aas.org, @agu.org, and @planetarysociety.bsky.social. We believe in the value of @NASA science!
My research group members making fun of me when I have hours left before the Keck deadline ...
September 17, 2025 at 6:52 PM
My research group members making fun of me when I have hours left before the Keck deadline ...
I have a fun new paper out that demonstrates the power of combining radial velocities (RVs), astrometry, and dynamical simulations in understanding planetary system demographics. You can access the paper here: arxiv.org/abs/2509.12334
No Giant Planets in the Eta Cassiopeiae System: Dynamical Implications of a Wide Binary Companion
Given the vast number of stars that exist within binary systems, it remains important to explore the effect of binary star environments on the formation and evolution of exoplanetary systems. Nearby b...
arxiv.org
September 17, 2025 at 1:05 AM
I have a fun new paper out that demonstrates the power of combining radial velocities (RVs), astrometry, and dynamical simulations in understanding planetary system demographics. You can access the paper here: arxiv.org/abs/2509.12334
Great article by Robin on the future of Earth, and lessons learned from Venus!
NEW: It was a delight to contribute to @quantamagazine.bsky.social's stunning new series on climate science! Naturally, my story tended apocalyptic: will Earth ever become a climate hellhole like Venus, the most extreme world in the solar system?
www.quantamagazine.org/why-is-venus...
www.quantamagazine.org/why-is-venus...
Why Is Venus Hell and Earth an Eden? | Quanta Magazine
A team of scientists has investigated how Earth’s twin became so inhospitable, and whether the same will happen to our planet.
www.quantamagazine.org
September 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Great article by Robin on the future of Earth, and lessons learned from Venus!
Reposted by Stephen Kane
Venus is a Solar System enigma.
Although Venus is similar in size and distance from the Sun to Earth, it has evolved very differently from our planet.
Our #Envision mission will aim to solve some of the puzzle by thoroughly studying our closest neighbour.
www.esa.int/Science_Expl... 🔭
Although Venus is similar in size and distance from the Sun to Earth, it has evolved very differently from our planet.
Our #Envision mission will aim to solve some of the puzzle by thoroughly studying our closest neighbour.
www.esa.int/Science_Expl... 🔭
Top five Venus mysteries Envision will solve
Venus is a Solar System enigma. Similar in size to Earth and orbiting the Sun at a similar distance, it is remarkable how the two planets evolved so differently. While conditions on Earth allowed life...
www.esa.int
September 12, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Venus is a Solar System enigma.
Although Venus is similar in size and distance from the Sun to Earth, it has evolved very differently from our planet.
Our #Envision mission will aim to solve some of the puzzle by thoroughly studying our closest neighbour.
www.esa.int/Science_Expl... 🔭
Although Venus is similar in size and distance from the Sun to Earth, it has evolved very differently from our planet.
Our #Envision mission will aim to solve some of the puzzle by thoroughly studying our closest neighbour.
www.esa.int/Science_Expl... 🔭
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"
- Evelyn Beatrice Hall, "The Friends of Voltaire" (1906).
- Evelyn Beatrice Hall, "The Friends of Voltaire" (1906).
September 11, 2025 at 1:22 PM
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"
- Evelyn Beatrice Hall, "The Friends of Voltaire" (1906).
- Evelyn Beatrice Hall, "The Friends of Voltaire" (1906).
There should be more referee reports that contain Monty Python references. Whoever you are, just know that I appreciate you, you magnificent bastard!
September 10, 2025 at 11:52 AM
There should be more referee reports that contain Monty Python references. Whoever you are, just know that I appreciate you, you magnificent bastard!
In my dreams the sky is burning.
A pressure none has ever known.
Basaltic plains recall their oceans.
Whispers fossilized in stone.
Gold light shining above the land.
That once knew a gentler breeze.
Yet through the acid rain I wonder.
The untold mysteries of ancient seas.
A pressure none has ever known.
Basaltic plains recall their oceans.
Whispers fossilized in stone.
Gold light shining above the land.
That once knew a gentler breeze.
Yet through the acid rain I wonder.
The untold mysteries of ancient seas.
September 9, 2025 at 6:13 PM
In my dreams the sky is burning.
A pressure none has ever known.
Basaltic plains recall their oceans.
Whispers fossilized in stone.
Gold light shining above the land.
That once knew a gentler breeze.
Yet through the acid rain I wonder.
The untold mysteries of ancient seas.
A pressure none has ever known.
Basaltic plains recall their oceans.
Whispers fossilized in stone.
Gold light shining above the land.
That once knew a gentler breeze.
Yet through the acid rain I wonder.
The untold mysteries of ancient seas.
The space advocacy efforts continue and science remains at risk! This week, the House CJS subcommittee are marking up their CJS bill, and it is critical that NASA funding is restored. Please consider contacting one of the subcommittee members: appropriations.house.gov/subcommittee...
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
appropriations.house.gov
September 9, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The space advocacy efforts continue and science remains at risk! This week, the House CJS subcommittee are marking up their CJS bill, and it is critical that NASA funding is restored. Please consider contacting one of the subcommittee members: appropriations.house.gov/subcommittee...
Visiting #NASAGoddard, home to some of the most brilliant people I know and a national treasure. The research and technology work carried out here per dollar spent is astoundingly high, ensures US leadership in space sciences, and should be preserved at all costs.
August 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Visiting #NASAGoddard, home to some of the most brilliant people I know and a national treasure. The research and technology work carried out here per dollar spent is astoundingly high, ensures US leadership in space sciences, and should be preserved at all costs.
Reposted by Stephen Kane
Really great article in WIRED this morning, about what we're really losing (hope, wonder, the true "greatness" that NASA brings us) by defunding and devaluing science here in 2025.
The Destruction of NASA Would Be a Blow to Our Collective Imagination.
www.wired.com/story/the-de...
The Destruction of NASA Would Be a Blow to Our Collective Imagination.
www.wired.com/story/the-de...
The Destruction of NASA Would Be a Blow to Our Collective Imagination
As NASA grapples with major proposed budget cuts and losing some of its most brilliant minds, America’s willingness to look outward is also at risk.
www.wired.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Really great article in WIRED this morning, about what we're really losing (hope, wonder, the true "greatness" that NASA brings us) by defunding and devaluing science here in 2025.
The Destruction of NASA Would Be a Blow to Our Collective Imagination.
www.wired.com/story/the-de...
The Destruction of NASA Would Be a Blow to Our Collective Imagination.
www.wired.com/story/the-de...