Explore Worlds
Find Life
Defend Earth
All
All
Sun
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
What does “Mercury in retrograde” actually mean?
"Mercury in retrograde" is one of the most searched terms relating to the planet. Astrological interpretations aside, apparent retrograde motion is an interesting phenomenon that has to do with orbital speeds and observer perspective.
Want more space? Speak up!
Detailed Mars maps, insights into the Venusian surface, and views of Uranian rings all have one thing in common: they don’t happen without public support for space.
A mission to pull back the shroud
VERITAS would peer through Venus’ clouds to study its surface like never before, but it needs your help.
Unusual Uranus! Moist Moon! Volcanic Venus!
A planet shows its pole, another shows possible volcanic activity, and the Moon keeps surprising us with more water.
Asteroids worth getting psyched about
New discoveries from Ryugu, material heading our way from Bennu, and anticipation for a mission to Psyche.
What the search for aliens can learn from life on Earth
When searching for extraterrestrial life, we have to base our hunt on what we know about life on our own planet. This may seem limiting, but there's a lot we can learn from the astonishingly diverse lifeforms we have here on Earth.
Volcanic Venus, myriad moons, and space sonification
Learn all about the possible volcanic activity found on Venus, the facts about a hyped-up near-Earth asteroid, Jupiter’s newest moons, and what space images sound like.
Spectacularly crepuscular!
Curiosity captures crepuscular rays on Mars, a new member community launches, and solar sailing takes exploration into the future.
Never let a rock sneak up on you
Finding asteroids before they hit Earth not only protects us from harm, it can also yield beautiful photos.
Red hot space
This week’s roundup of space news and exploration inspiration will leave you seeing red (in the best way possible).
Weaving together a picture of the Cosmos
When we combine data sources, collaborate with each other, and invite artistic perspectives, we can better understand the Universe we live in.
What does a bear have in common with a megatsunami?
An old image of Mars drives scientific questions today, moons and mini asteroids fuel fascination, and an unexpected ursine figure shows itself.
Our favorite moons of the Solar System
A brief guide to eight of our Solar System's most fascinating and scientifically promising moons.
More worlds, anyone?
The more we search, the more we find. From exoplanets to moons to asteroids, the list of worlds just keeps growing.
By Jove! (Literally)
Jupiter’s moons have always been exciting to explore, and a new era of Jovian moon research is about to begin.
I spy with my technologically enhanced eye
Seeing more with infrared cameras, radar telescopes, and good old-fashioned artistic instincts.
Extraterrestrial frosts
Frost happens throughout the Solar System, creating beautiful views. Learn why and check out the latest in space news.
Worthy goals for a lifelong love of space
Our new list of Space Life Goals will help inspire your passion for space. Catch up on this week’s space news, and tick off a few goals while you’re at it.
How to see Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF)
Everything you need to know about Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF) or the "Green comet," which is making its first approach to Earth in 50,000 years.
Ending a year, looking to the future
This year has been great for space exploration. With your support, we’ll make sure the future is even better.