Articles

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

A space smorgasbord

Sample the best tidbits from space exploration this week, including news from across the Solar System and beyond, and personal insights from leaders of exploration.

Love at first sights

JWST’s stunning first science images

The Space Advocate Newsletter, July 2022

JWST's success will outshine its past troubles.

See JWST's amazing first science images

These are some of the first science images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), released on July 12, 2022.

See JWST’s first deep field image

Bill Nye's reflections on the first deep field image from NASA's JWST mission.

JWST versus Hubble: How are they different?

Unlike Hubble, JWST was primarily designed to see the universe in infrared light, revealing ancient galaxies, peering through nebulae, and uncovering exoplanet atmospheres.

Breaking new ground

Whether it’s a mission, a policy decision, or an individual person, sometimes all it takes is one thing to change the way we explore.

Planetary accessorizing

Planets are beautiful and fascinating enough on their own, but there’s no denying that moons and rings add a little something special.

Defend your planet

With so many asteroids out there, it’s up to us to defend our planet from impacts. Find out how you can make a difference.

Persevering through it all

Exploration will always face setbacks, but this week’s Downlink reminds us of the impressive human ability to persevere.

A joint-letter in support of NEO Surveyor

The National Space Society and The Planetary Society jointly argue for funding the asteroid-hunting NEO Surveyor mission.

First steps and big leaps

Technological innovation is a big part of the fun of space exploration, and you can help make it happen.

Artist concept of the surface of TRAPPIST-1f

What might JWST reveal about TRAPPIST-1?

We spoke with the scientists leading the first observations of TRAPPIST-1 using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in order to understand what mysteries their observations will help unlock.