Planetary Science
- Planetary Science
Venus, erupting?
Lava flow suggests recent volcanism on Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor.
- Planetary Science
A comet’s tail
Already under observation by astronomers, Hartley 2 will be visible in dark skies when it passes Earth on October 20.
By Ron Cowen - Planetary Science
Life’s cold start
Primordial molecules could have replicated themselves in a slushy place, new experiments suggest.
- Planetary Science
Worldwide slowdown in plant carbon uptake
A decade of droughts has stifled the increasing growth of terrestrial vegetation.
By Sid Perkins - Earth
Trailing dust devils
Whirlwinds leave dark paths behind by sucking sand grains clean.
By Sid Perkins - Astronomy
Heftiest stars discovered
At more than 200 times sun’s mass, this giant sets a new record.
By Ron Cowen - Planetary Science
Hole from on high
Researchers discover a fresh meteorite impact crater using Google Earth.
By Sid Perkins - Planetary Science
Up close and personal with an asteroid
The Rosetta orbiter makes its second swing past a relic of the early solar system.
- Earth
Antarctic shoal breaks the ice
Instruments on a massive berg help pinpoint a previously unreported undersea ridge.
By Sid Perkins - Earth
Planes can trigger snowfall
Under certain conditions, aircraft can trigger precipitation as they pass through moisture-laden clouds.
By Sid Perkins - Planetary Science
Hubble hunting for Jupiter bruise
No scar found yet on planet from June 3 crash with unidentified object.
By Ron Cowen - Planetary Science
Before the Mississippi, minerals show ancient rivers flowed west
Michigan zircons uncover the path of an ancient river system across North America.
By Sid Perkins