Planetary Science

Planetary Science

Unseen planets sweep up dust around young star

A large gap in the dusty disk around a young star reveals what our solar system might have looked like 4.6 billion years ago.

Astronomy

Good night, Philae

The Philae lander has depleted its batteries and gone into idle mode, probably drawing to a close the surface-based study of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Planetary Science

Two travelers from far beyond Neptune return home

Two bodies approaching from the edge of the solar system may have been tossed out there by Jupiter over 4 billion years ago.

Planetary Science

A distant planet may lurk far beyond Neptune

Strange orbits in the Kuiper belt revive talk of a Planet X in the solar system.

Psychology

Rigors of Mars trip make teamwork a priority

It’s going to take a different kind of mental approach to travel to Mars and back: less individuality, more collaboration and adaptability. Astronauts are being tested to prepare for such a mission.

Astronomy

Philae lander image raises questions about probe’s health

Early reports suggest that Rosetta's lander Philae bounced twice when landing on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Astronomy

Rosetta mission lander set to explore surface of comet

The Rosetta spacecraft’s minifridge-sized lander Philae is now on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and is beginning to study its geology and chemistry.

Planetary Science

Philae lander touches down on comet 67P

Rosetta’s lander Philae has reached the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and is starting to do science.

Astronomy

Philae lander is in free fall toward comet 67P

The Rosetta spacecraft has nudged its lander Philae off its back toward the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Planetary Science

Philae passes first go-no-go tests for comet landing

Philae and its mothership Rosetta are working through the final tests before scientists attempt to launch the lander toward the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Astronomy

Rosetta’s countdown to comet landing has begun

Everything is on track for Rosetta mission scientists to attempt to set the Philae lander on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Planetary Science

Rosetta prepares to let go of its comet lander

To date, everything is a go for scientists to attempt to land a robotic probe on a comet.