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Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Field Report From Mars: Sol 3556 – January 24, 2014
Today is the tenth anniversary of Opportunity's landing on Mars. Here at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, we just opened a tenth anniversary exhibit.
Field Report From Mars: Sol 3572 – February 10, 2014
Opportunity is still exploring an outcrop high up on Murray Ridge as the winter solstice on Mars approaches. At this location the tilts are good, so Opportunity is getting excellent solar input on its solar panels.
Field Report From Mars: Sol 3519 - December 18, 2013
Opportunity arrived at the location that has been the target of all this climbing since late last (Earth) summer. We will settle in for some detailed work on the outcrop here since this appears to be something different from the impact breccias that we have been seeing along the ridge crest.
Sunset on Chang'e 3's third lunar day: Yutu not dead yet, but not moving either
During the third lunar day of Change'3 surface operations the lander operated normally, performing ultraviolet astronomy and imaging Earth's plasmasphere. The rover's instruments were working, but the rover did not move.
A Spin Through the Inner Solar System
Animated maps of the planets show the spheres in motion.
Sand Waves in the Desert
I have a pet peeve: the words dune and ripple are often used interchangeably, although they are quite distinct from one another. So what’s the difference between aeolian dunes and ripples? And why should anybody care?
Curiosity update, sols 540-8: New rules and longer drives
Curiosity has tested a new driving mode -- backwards -- and achieved their longest single-day drive in three months. And they've committed to driving to the spot formerly known as
Predicting Pluto's moons and moondust
Why didn't we discover Pluto's moons until more than a decade after Hubble launched? Mark Showalter helps me answer this question.
Mission to a Metallic World: A Discovery Proposal to Fly to the Asteroid Psyche
Imagine flying deep within the asteroid belt to study the most unreachable location in the solar system: the deep core of a terrestrial world.
What are Mercury's hollows?
I've been fascinated by Mercury's hollows ever since MESSENGER discovered them. Two recent papers look at where they are found to try to figure out how they form.
Missions to a Star
Upcoming deep space missions will venture right to the heart of the Solar System.
Curiosity Update, sols 534-540: Over Dingo Gap, onto softer sand
After more than two months of very slow driving due to concern about the wheels and time spent choosing whether to enter
The Two Faces of Phoebe
Cassini flew past Phoebe on June 11, 2004, on its way to entering Saturn orbit. The flyby was almost perfect but overexposure of some images have prevented color mosaics from being produced. Even though Phoebe's body is gray and dull in color, the absence of color images always provoked me. By using VIMS data, I have now produced color mosaics.
Behind-the-scenes story of Yutu: Promoting space exploration in China
Promoting the story of Yutu to the Chinese public through social media: a successful case of science outreach.
New Hills, Old Secrets
Exploring a set of newly named hills on Mars reveals tantalizing clues to the planet's story.
Mars Exploration Rovers Update: Opportunity Finds Mystery Rock, Mission Celebrates 10 Years
In the storied history of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) mission, January 2014 will likely be remembered as one of the most memorable months of all.
The Mars Exploration Family Portrait is expanding, and I need your help
The Mars Exploration Family Portrait is expanding to cover the entire solar system! But before we proceed, I'm asking for feedback.
Cosmos with Cosmos Episode 12: Encyclopedia Galactica
Cosmos returns in fine form in its penultimate episode. Sagan explores the historical and scientific precedents for the search for extraterrestrial life (SETI) and our human desires to not be alone in the universe.
Looking Backward: Curiosity gazes upon the setting Earth
A few days ago, Curiosity looked westward after sunset and photographed Earth setting toward the mountainous rim of Gale crater.
Curiosity update, sols 521-533: Assessing Dingo Gap
While continuing to perform regular wheel health assessments, Curiosity took a sharp right turn and headed for Dingo Gap. On sol 533, they performed a



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