Planetary Science

Planetary Science

Pluto’s smaller moons pose mysteries

The four smaller moons of Pluto are finally revealed in images from New Horizons, and might hold some clues to the dwarf planet’s past.

Planetary Science

Probes unveil three hidden blemishes on moon’s face

Gravity measurements collected by NASA’s GRAIL spacecraft reveal a clearer picture of the moon’s craters, including three previously unseen lunar basins.

Planetary Science

Probes unveil three hidden blemishes on moon’s face

Gravitational tugs on a pair of spacecraft have revealed previously unseen blemishes on the moon’s face.

Planetary Science

Oxygen leaking from comet surprises astronomers

The Rosetta spacecraft detected oxygen molecules coming out of comet 67P that might have been buried since the formation of the solar system.

Planetary Science

Cassini preps to shower in Enceladus’ ocean

The Cassini spacecraft is gearing up for one last plunge through the water geysers on Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn.

Planetary Science

Asteroid set for Halloween flyby

Large asteroid will pass Earth just beyond the moon’s orbit on Halloween.

Astronomy

Comet carries alcohol, sugar

Sugar and alcohol are just two of the ingredients that go into making a comet.

Planetary Science

Five surprising discoveries about Pluto

Here are five key (though not necessarily new) findings in the paper that epitomize the surprising complexity of the Pluto system.

Planetary Science

Ancient Mars had long-lasting lakes of liquid water

New evidence gathered by NASA’s Curiosity rover suggests Gale Crater once contained a stable lake of liquid water.

Planetary Science

Ceres mountains and craters named for food

A host of agricultural spirits are immortalized on several craters and mountains on the dwarf planet Ceres.

Planetary Science

Salt streaks sign of present-day water flows on Mars

Salt deposits on Mars hint at contemporary seasonal water flows on the Red Planet.

Planetary Science

Salt streaks point to present-day water flows on Mars

Salt deposits on Mars hint at contemporary seasonal water flows on the Red Planet.