Articles

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

What’s up (and down) in space?

Wrap your head around orientations in space, and learn the latest in space exploration news.

Artist's concept of near-Earth asteroids

Planetary Society Grant Winner Discovers Large Near-Earth Asteroid

The kilometer-wide object won't hit Earth, but would cause global-scale devastation if it did.

A devil on Mars and defenders of Earth

From dust devils and craters on the Martian surface to spots on the Sun, we’re taking a look at everything new and exciting in space science and exploration this week.

Mars approaches Earth, and Earthlings dream of going to Mars

Looking back into space and time, and looking forward to mission milestones and new endeavors. All this and more in your weekly space digest.

Looking up at bright planets, asteroids, and burning trash

Get an update on the latest in space exploration, and find out how you can help defend the Earth from asteroid impacts.

Planetary Society Grant Winners Deal with Delays, Hunt Asteroids, and Discover Comet

Every 6 months, we ask our recent Planetary Society Shoemaker NEO Grant winners for a progress report. Here's what they told us.

The view from a rover’s eyes, and tips for viewing the night sky

What do professional basketball players have in common with a Mars rover? Plus more news from the adventure of space exploration.

How to pick the best beginner telescope

Picking out your first telescope can be overwhelming. This easy-to-follow guide will help you find the best telescope that you'll actually use.

Jupiter from near and far, and two humans return to Earth

This week, learn about the conditions of the early solar system and get ready for next week’s meteor shower, plus more.

Say hello to Saturn and bon voyage to Perseverance

With 3 spacecraft en route to Mars, we’re sharing mission news, Martian maps, and a chance to meet Bill Nye.

The Cost of Perseverance, in Context

Disney’s global box office revenue for Avengers. The amount of money Google makes in 6 days. The cost of NASA's Perseverance rover is less than you might think.

Global view of Mars from MOM: Meridiani Planum

Perseverance Rover Scientists Make Plans for Mars

As the launch of NASA's Perseverance rover approaches, scientists for the Mastcam-Z instrument prepare for the rover's science activities.

Missions to Mars, and exoplanets caught on camera

Everything you need to know about two missions en route to Mars and another gearing up for launch, plus the rest of the week’s space news.

NASA Perseverance rover (artist's concept)

Perseverance Microphones Fulfill Planetary Society Campaign to Hear Sounds from Mars

The first Mars microphone, sponsored by The Planetary Society, flew aboard NASA's Polar Lander spacecraft, which crashed on the Red Planet in 1999.

Imaging and imagination in space

Learn about The Planetary Society’s vision for the next decade of exploration and get up to speed on space news.

Our Submissions to the Planetary Science Decadal Survey

Advocating for space at every step in the process, The Planetary Society submitted two papers to the forthcoming planetary science decadal survey—one on the search for life and one on the importance of planetary defense.