Planetary Science

  1. Planetary Science

    Mars ‘air’ found thinner

    Readers get an update on the Red Planet's atmosphere and how new probes land there with parachutes.

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. Planetary Science

    Dwarf planet Ceres gives off gassy water

    Astronomers report observations that Ceres releases water molecules from two distinct spots on its surface.

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  6. 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.

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  7. 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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  8. Astronomy

    Year in Review: Meteorite makes an impact

    A falling rock delivers a wake-up call.

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  9. Astronomy

    Year in Review: Visitor from the Oort cloud

    A visitor from the outer solar system flies past the sun.

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  10. Planetary Science

    Year in Review: Methane shortage on Mars

    A trace of the gas is not enough to be a sign of life.

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  11. Astronomy

    Exoplanet dangerously close to demise

    Kepler-91b could be on the brink of death — at least on astronomical time scales.

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  12. Planetary Science

    Exoplanet mass revealed in light

    A new method could help identify habitable planets.

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