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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mars in all its glory, and a planet as hot as a star
Dive into Mars mania and catch up on this week’s space exploration updates.
Sample Return Roundup
It's a banner year for sample return missions. In 2020, China, Japan, and the United States are all scheduled to have sample return missions in flight, seeking to retrieve material from near-Earth asteroids, the Moon, and eventually Mars.
Perseverance, optimism, and an undeniably cool poster
The week’s space news, plus action you can take to advance exploration.
Committed to doing the work
Our initial plans to proactively work against racism, along with the week’s space news.
Every Mars landing attempt as of June 2020
Two maps by The Planetary Society show all the places we've landed or crashed on Mars as of June 2020.
Weather scrubs a launch, forms Mars dunes, and inspires art
Get ready for the rescheduled Crew Dragon launch and catch up on the highlights of the week in space.
Martian mud and a milestone in human spaceflight
Get your space exploration news and see what happens when you leave paint on the launchpad.
Here's How Scientists Mapped the Perseverance Rover's Landing Site
The maps will help plan scientific field trips for the rover as it explores an ancient river delta.
The Next 10 Years
Six scientists share the major planetary science discoveries of the past decade, and the questions that will drive the next 10 years of solar system exploration.
Star Trek: Picard Gets the Martian Landscape Right
The visual effects for the new television series Star Trek: Picard show a wonderfully realistic Mars in panoramic views that obviously rely upon NASA and ESA imagery. This article is spoiler-free except for the disclosure of an important event depicted in the opening moments of the show.
Is the Moon a Stepping Stone or a Cornerstone for Mars?
New legislation proposed in the House of Representatives would radically shift NASA's human spaceflight efforts away from the Moon and back to Mars.
A New Understanding
Abigail Fraeman examines how the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, changed our view of Mars.