European scientists recently used a telescope instrument called the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS), to measure the chemical content of 500 stars similar to the Sun, some with known planetary systems and others without. They discovered that all the stars that host planets have a curious characteristic in common with our Sun: low levels of the element lithium. While much more remains to learned about why stars with planets share this trait, researchers are heartened that they could use HARPS and similar instruments to quickly find other planets beyond our Solar System.

View the latest Astro Bulletin on the find below:

To learn about other recent astronomical discoveries, visit the Science Bulletins website.

Astronomers from the National Center for Atmospheric Research's High Altitude Observatory have developed the first high-resolution computer model of a sunspot. The simulated sunspot allows scientists to better understand these mysterious solar phenomena. This model was also featured in AMNH's new Space Show, Journey to the Stars.

To learn about other recent astronomical discoveries, visit the Science Bulletins website.