Planetary Science
- Planetary Science
Mars ‘air’ found thinner
Readers get an update on the Red Planet's atmosphere and how new probes land there with parachutes.
- Planetary Science
China’s moon rover may be beyond repair
If the rover’s electronics are exposed to the extremely cold temperatures on the moon, they will break, leaving Jade Rabbit inoperable.
- Earth
Eighth century carbon spike not from comet impact
The space rock would have to have been 100 kilometers across and 100 billion to 1,000 billion tons, leaving a disastrous impact not supported by geological or written records.
- Planetary Science
Old rover finds new evidence of water on Mars
Opportunity’s analysis of rocks at Endeavour crater reveals chemistry that could have supported life.
- Planetary Science
Dwarf planet Ceres gives off gassy water
Astronomers report observations that Ceres releases water molecules from two distinct spots on its surface.
- Astronomy
Rosetta spacecraft checks in with Earth
The spacecraft has successfully transmitted a signal to Earth, meaning that ESA controllers can now prepare Rosetta for its August rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
- Earth
The long and winding Colorado
The history of the West’s iconic river is written in the dramatic landscapes it has shaped. How to interpret that chronicle has become a contentious issue among geologists.
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- Astronomy
Year in Review: Visitor from the Oort cloud
A visitor from the outer solar system flies past the sun.
- Planetary Science
Year in Review: Methane shortage on Mars
A trace of the gas is not enough to be a sign of life.
- Astronomy
Exoplanet dangerously close to demise
Kepler-91b could be on the brink of death — at least on astronomical time scales.
- Planetary Science
Exoplanet mass revealed in light
A new method could help identify habitable planets.
