Articles

Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.

Curiosity's View From the Top of the Greenheugh Pediment

Life on Mars: Your Questions Answered

The red planet once had liquid water on the surface, and conditions that could have supported life.

All eyes on Mars

This week the world’s attention is on Mars as its next era of exploration begins. We’re also digging into space policy, with new actions you can take.

A Martian smile and an Apollo anniversary

We’re gearing up for a Mars landing, and our chief advocate takes a look at crewed Moon programs past and future.

The far reaches of the solar system and beyond

Take a look at distant worlds, far-out views of the cosmos, and even some remote possibilities with this week’s scoop on space news and solar system history.

LightSail 2 Image of Typhoon Vamco and the Phillipines

NASA solar sails build on LightSail 2

NEA Scout will visit a near-Earth asteroid and Solar Cruiser will test the largest solar sail yet.

Processing images of the cosmos and returning to the Moon

Take a look at space image processing, and try it yourself. Plus, catch up on the week’s space news.

So long, 2020, and thanks for all the space

Look back on the year’s accomplishments and enjoy the beauty of the cosmos.

The great conjunction! (And how it functions)

Everything you need to know about Saturn and Jupiter’s upcoming conjunction, and more from this week in space exploration.

NASA Abruptly Delays a Critical Planetary Defense Mission

A space telescope that would find thousands of potential "city-killer" size asteroids was abruptly delayed due to unspecified and unrelated funding issues within NASA's science division.

Wish upon a shooting star (or a descending asteroid sample)

Hayabusa2 brings its sample safely to Earth, and the Geminids meteor shower approaches.

Would you care for a sample?

Bringing samples of the Moon and Ryugu to Earth, and mourning further damage to the Arecibo Observatory.

Atmospheres that intrigue, protect, and obscure

Catch up on the week’s space news and consider planetary atmospheres from a few thought-provoking perspectives.

A dwarf planet, a rogue planet, and a glow-in-the-dark moon

All the wonders that the cosmos offered up this week, plus news about NASA’s leadership and an exciting launch.

Your Guide to Crew-1, SpaceX’s Second Astronaut Flight

The last time was a test. This time it was for real. SpaceX successfully launched 4 astronauts to the International Space Station on 15 November 2020.

NASA astronauts ride a commercial rocket

Why do we need NASA when we have SpaceX?

Watching SpaceX's incredible feats, you might wonder whether we need NASA. But in reality the organizations do very different things and rely on each other for success.