State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

meteorites

  • Was It an Alien Spacecraft—Or a Delivery Truck?

    Was It an Alien Spacecraft—Or a Delivery Truck?

    A Harvard astronomer says a meteor came from beyond our solar system. A new study questions whether his data includes a more obvious explanation.

  • An Archive of the Stars Is Born

    An Archive of the Stars Is Born

    NASA has designated a group at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory with preserving and making easily accessible data from all the extraterrestrial material curated by the agency.

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More

  • Was It an Alien Spacecraft—Or a Delivery Truck?

    Was It an Alien Spacecraft—Or a Delivery Truck?

    A Harvard astronomer says a meteor came from beyond our solar system. A new study questions whether his data includes a more obvious explanation.

  • An Archive of the Stars Is Born

    An Archive of the Stars Is Born

    NASA has designated a group at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory with preserving and making easily accessible data from all the extraterrestrial material curated by the agency.