The carbon dioxide in Earth's early atmosphere could have been turned into oxygen by intense UV light as well as by photosynthesis. Earth's atmosphere wasn't always full of life-giving oxygen — it was ...

NASA's Cassini spacecraft has detected a very tenuous atmosphere known as an exosphere, infused with oxygen and carbon dioxide around Saturn's icy moon Rhea. This is the first time a spacecraft has ...

With a zap, a beam of ultraviolet light can blast carbon dioxide into oxygen gas, O 2. Because the sun hurls the same radiation, the reaction hints that breathable air could have formed on Earth ...

The Cassini-Huygens mission has discovered a tenuous atmosphere infused with oxygen and carbon dioxide at Saturn’s moon Rhea – the first time a spacecraft has captured direct evidence of an oxygen ...

A startling discovery puts a new twist on photosynthesis, arguably the most important biological process on Earth. Two studies suggest that certain widespread marine microorganisms have evolved a way ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. A trip to Mars will be difficult, to say the least. Although human ...

Oxygen on exoplanets can be the result of simple chemical processes rather than biological ones.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. David Bressan is a geologist who covers curiosities about Earth. Life is thriving on planet Earth thanks to oxygen. Oxygen is a ...

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. The Mars Oxygen In ...

Space is an inhospitable place. For now, when humans go out in space capsules and stations, they need to bring their own air and water — and do without gravity — during their stay. In the future, if ...