Articles

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

NASA Mission to Venus in 1978 May Have Detected Phosphine, a Gas Related to Life

The data come from NASA’s Pioneer Venus Multiprobe mission, which deployed a series of probes into the planet’s clouds.

A cosmic bowling ball spinning through space

Jupiter is a world of extremes, and Venus hints at some mysteries. You can take action to help learn more about these worlds and others.

Venus surface panorama from Venera 13 rear camera

Every picture from Venus' surface, ever

In 1975 and 1982, four of the Soviet Union’s Venera probes captured our only images of Venus’ surface.

The Quest for Life on Venus

Did scientists detect a signature of life in Venus' clouds? Or will the bombshell finding be proven false?

Making our mark on other worlds

Perseverance’s tracks show where it’s been. You can help decide where we’re going.

Cosmic streaks, smudges, and fuzz

See images of the cosmos that reflect fascinating features of worlds and stars, and take action to advance exploration.

A Perseverance extravaganza!

Witness the Mars rover’s dramatic landing from every angle, and help make more exploration like this happen.

Perseverance Firsts: The Best Moments from NASA's Mars Rover Landing

All the best moments so far from NASA's Perseverance rover, all in one place.

The next era of Mars exploration is here!

With 3 new missions safely at Mars, we’re ready for the next era of exploration and discovery.

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.

Are the Universe's Smallest Stars Promising Places for Life?

Red dwarf stars are more common than our Sun. What are the prospects for life on exoplanets that orbit them?

The ISS in perspective, and bad news for Venusians

Just how big is the International Space Station? See for yourself, and catch up on this week’s space news.

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.