Planetary Science
New Map Reveals Secrets of Io, the Solar System’s Most Volcanic Moon
The best-yet map of active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon Io hints at a hidden magma ocean—and more
Planetary Science112 articles archived since 1845
Planetary Science
Can a Private Space Mission Pierce Venus’s Clouds?
Amid uncertainty over space agencies’ plans for future Venus exploration, enthusiasm for a private-sector mission grows
Planetary Science
‘Dinky’ Asteroid Is Three Space Rocks, Not Two, NASA Flyby Finds
The Lucy spacecraft’s encounter with asteroid Dinkinesh has revealed a bizarre “contact binary” double-moon companion
Space Exploration
NASA Asteroid Mission Discovers Tiny Surprise Moon with ‘Really Bizarre’ Shape
NASA’s Lucy mission flew past an asteroid nicknamed Dinky, only to discover an even smaller space rock orbiting it
Planetary Science
Did Dusty Skies Doom the Dinosaurs?
Fine particles kicked up by the Chicxulub asteroid impact could have blocked out the sun for years, resulting in global cooling and disastrous consequences for ecosystems
Planetary Science
Strange Blobs near Earth’s Core May Be Relics of Moon-Forming Collision
An impact with a protoplanet called Theia 4.5 billion years ago seems to have left remnants deep inside Earth
Planetary Science
Mars Has a Surprise Layer of Molten Rock Inside
Fresh investigations find that the Red Planet’s liquid-metal core is smaller than scientists thought
Planetary Science
NASA’s Lucy Asteroid Mission Zips Past a ‘Dinky’ Space Rock
NASA’s Lucy mission is starting its science studies way ahead of schedule
Planetary Science
What Happens to a Werewolf on the Moon?
As space agencies turn their gaze to the moon, we need to consider what werewolves might mean for lunar exploration—and vice versa
Planetary Science
Space Junk Is Polluting Earth’s Stratosphere with Vaporized Metal
Defunct satellites and other pieces of orbital debris are pumping metals into Earth’s fragile upper atmosphere, with effects unknown
Planetary Science
‘Monster Quake’ Hints at Mysterious Source within Mars
Images from each and every spacecraft now orbiting Mars have ruled out a meteorite strike as the cause of a 4.7-magnitude marsquake, the strongest temblor ever detected beyond Earth
Planetary Science
Will the Next Supercontinent Really Drive Mammals to Extinction?
The formation of Pangaea Ultima some 250 million years from now would be bad news for mammalian life. But whether it would mean the end for mammals—or whether the supercontinent will form at all—is far from certain...
Planetary Science
NASA’s Psyche Mission Launches to Mysterious Metallic Asteroid
NASA’s Psyche mission is on its way to a heavy-metal asteroid of the same name—a type of object that scientists have never seen up close before
Planetary Science
How to Watch the Northern Lights and Other Awesome Auroras
When the sun gets feisty, Earth’s atmosphere can literally light up. But seeing the resulting aurora isn’t always easy
Planetary Science
NASA Reveals Sneak Peek of Historic Asteroid Sample
OSIRIS-REx’s treasure trove from asteroid Bennu includes material rich in water and carbon
Planetary Science
Bringing Mars Rocks to Earth Could Cost an Astronomical $11 Billion
NASA’s Perseverance rover has collected valuable samples, but a new report says the plan to fetch them is unworkable
Planetary Science
Beyond Pluto, New Horizons Gets a Reprieve from NASA
NASA has reversed course on plans to curtail the New Horizons spacecraft’s planetary science studies following a rebellion among the mission’s leaders
Planetary Science
Mars Sample-Return Missions Could Reduce Tensions with China on Earth
The U.S. may not beat China at retrieving Martian rocks first, according to an independent review board’s conclusion. But the U.S. can still lead with an exchange of samples here on Earth...
Planetary Science
OSIRIS-REx’s Asteroid Samples Are Finally Down to Earth
OSIRIS-REx—the first U.S. mission to attempt a sample return from a space rock—has successfully sent materials from asteroid Bennu back to Earth
Planetary Science
Jupiter’s Moon Europa May Hide Tantalizing Carbon in Mysterious Ocean
Jupiter’s mysterious moon Europa may hold carbon in the ocean lurking beneath its icy shell
