Planetary Science

Astronomy

The definition of planet is still a sore point – especially among Pluto fans

In the 15 years since Pluto lost its planet status, scientists have continued to use the definition that works for them.

Planetary Science

See some of the most intriguing photos from NASA’s Perseverance rover so far

Six months ago, Perseverance landed on the Red Planet. Here’s what the rover has been observing.

Space

Jupiter’s intense auroras superheat its upper atmosphere

Jupiter’s hotter-than-expected upper atmosphere may be caused by high-speed charged particles slamming into the air high above the poles.

Astronomy

The tiny dot in this image may be the first look at exomoons in the making

New ALMA observations offer some of the strongest evidence yet that planets around other stars have moons.

Planetary Science

Marsquakes reveal the Red Planet boasts a liquid core half its diameter

Analyses of seismic waves picked up by NASA’s InSight lander shed new light on the planet’s core and give clues to the thickness of the crust.

Planetary Science

NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover has begun its first science campaign

Now about 1 kilometer south of its landing spot, the rover has spotted several promising spots in its search for hints of ancient life.

Planetary Science

A century of astronomy revealed Earth’s place in the universe

The past century of astronomy has been a series of revolutions, each one kicking Earth a bit farther to the margins.

Planetary Science

Lakes of liquid water at Mars’ southern ice cap may just be mirages

In 2018, scientists found evidence for water lakes sitting beneath the southern Martian ice cap. New evidence suggests the lakes might not exist.

Astronomy

A shadowy birthplace may explain Jupiter’s strange chemistry

Dust that blocked sunlight caused the giant planet to form in a deep freeze, a new study suggests.

Planetary Science

NASA will be heading back to Venus for the first time in decades

Two newly selected missions, VERITAS and DAVINCI+, will explore the history of the planet's water and habitability.

Planetary Science

Laser experiments suggest helium rain falls on Jupiter

Compressing a hydrogen and helium mixture with lasers shows that the two elements separate at pressures found within gas giant planets.

Space

China’s first Mars rover has landed and is sending its first pictures

The country just became the second nation, after the United States, to successfully land a rover on Mars. Its rover will search for subsurface ice.