Articles

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

The Tianlin Space Telescope

China is in the early stages of planning a huge space observatory to help answer the matter of whether we are alone in the galaxy.

Why the “habitable zone” doesn’t always mean habitable

The habitable zone is a useful concept in astrobiology, but it can sometimes paint an over-simplified picture of planetary habitability.

Ramses: A new mission racing to land on asteroid Apophis

When a skyscraper-sized asteroid narrowly misses Earth in 2029, three spacecraft may be along for the ride.

Mars may host oceans’ worth of water deep underground

The tentative discovery hints at an habitat where life could potentially thrive.

Eureka? Scientists’ first hints of life on other planets may not be so obvious

Knowing that you've found signs of life beyond Earth may not be as clear-cut and simple as one might think.

NASA discovers Mars rock with ancient potential for life

A single 3.5 billion-year-old rock shows signs of all the conditions life needs to thrive.

Shoemaker-Levy 9 Fragment D and G Impact Scars on Jupiter

Does Jupiter protect Earth from asteroids and comets?

Jupiter has often been thought to protect the inner Solar System from asteroids and comets, but new research has shown that the giant planet may actually increase the risk of an impact.

Why does Jupiter spin so fast?

The gas giant is the Solar System's largest planet. Here's why it's also the fastest-spinning planet.

Starship prior to first integrated test flight

How soon will Starship fly?

One rocket could decide how soon humanity returns to the Moon — and maybe one day sets foot on Mars.

Challenges facing the human exploration of Mars

From the dangers of radiation to the complications of landing a crewed spacecraft, there are myriad technical challenges facing human exploration of Mars.

What would it be like to stand on the surface of Titan?

If you could visit Titan, you'd be in for a very alien experience.

What are binary asteroids?

Binary asteroid systems can be found near Earth, in the main asteroid belt, beyond Neptune, and more.

What are asteroids made of?

C-type, S-type, and M-type are the three most common kinds of asteroids. Here's what each type is made of.

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.

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.