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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Space superlatives
From the largest and most active volcanoes in space to the exoplanet with the “best hair,” this week is all about superlatives.
How to spot the ISS
Seeing the ISS is easy and amazing stargazing.
Europe goes to Mars
NASA and ESA have signed a partnership agreement to get the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover down to the surface of Mars, getting the mission back on track after geopolitical factors delayed it.
The Planetary Society remembers Ed Stone
Edward C. Stone, Caltech's David Morrisroe Professor of Physics, Emeritus, passed away on June 9 at the age of 88. Stone was a prominent figure in space physics and planetary astronomy, where he led numerous space missions and significantly advanced the field. He was also a cherished friend of The Planetary Society.
What DART has taught us so far
NASA's DART mission showed that if we detect a dangerous asteroid headed toward Earth, knocking it off course with a spacecraft is a potential option.
Meet the superlative exoplanets
Experience the most famous of our exoplanet friends!
Your impact: June solstice 2024
Growing space salads and advocating for exploration
The search for Earthlike worlds
Our understanding of exoplanets grows as more tools to peer into space come online.
Far from alone
How exoplanet discoveries reshape the prospect of alien life.
Happy little accidents
Sometimes science happens by accident. Other times, it goes exactly to plan.
Old becomes new
A star will become visible in the night sky, and old data from Venus yield new discoveries.
What are competed planetary missions?
A critical part of a balanced exploration program, competed missions are scientist-led projects that cost less and occur more frequently than large, flagship-class missions.
How to see the nova (“new star”) in Corona Borealis
A giant stellar explosion is going to be visible from Earth. Here's how to see it.
Mars rovers, helicopters, and sunsets
This week brings updates on the next missions to rove — and maybe even fly — over the surface of Mars.
Earth’s quasi-moons, minimoons, and ghost moons
They may not be real moons, but they're worth exploring and studying.
A certain flair for solar activity
The Sun was in the spotlight this week, with a huge solar storm and the biggest solar flare in over a decade.
What is the Outer Space Treaty?
An overview of one of international space law’s foundational documents.
Can you imagine?
From visionary technologies to unusual planetary views, this week’s Downlink will challenge your imagination.
Meet the Habitable Worlds Observatory, NASA’s life-seeking telescope
The observatory will directly image Earth-size exoplanets circling other stars.
Wow! But also, yikes!
Photos and news from space to inspire, amaze, and even scare you a little.