Space
We summarize the week's science breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- Astronomy
A still mysterious solar system
Whether or not a Planet X exists, the puzzle, like a good mystery, delights the mind. But better than any novel, the puzzle’s solution has the potential to reveal something new and unexpected about our solar system.
- 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 reveals stunning, unsettling view of comet
Concerns are surfacing about the Rosetta mission lander Philae’s ability to fully explore comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
- 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.
