Articles

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

A galaxy that spins in more ways than one

Listen to the sounds of the Whirlpool Galaxy and look back at our earliest picture of it.

Cosmic streaks, smudges, and fuzz

See images of the cosmos that reflect fascinating features of worlds and stars, and take action to advance exploration.

Seeing, feeling, and imagining the cosmos

Explore space art created by members of The Planetary Society’s community, and learn about a possible alien signal.

Aliens at Proxima Centauri? A New Radio Signal Raises the Question

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, so here are the reasons why there may or may not be aliens in our cosmic backyard.

Planetary Society Reacts to Loss of Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope

Arecibo helped us explore the cosmos and our solar system, search for life, and defend Earth from potentially dangerous asteroids.

Atmospheres that intrigue, protect, and obscure

Catch up on the week’s space news and consider planetary atmospheres from a few thought-provoking perspectives.

A dwarf planet, a rogue planet, and a glow-in-the-dark moon

All the wonders that the cosmos offered up this week, plus news about NASA’s leadership and an exciting launch.

Carl Sagan’s wisdom and vision, and how far we’ve come since his time

Even Sagan would be amazed by multitudes we now know our cosmos may hold. Learn more, plus get your scoop on the week’s space news.

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.

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.

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.

Simulated Exoplanet Image by Solar Gravity Lens Telescope

The Bold Plan to See Continents and Oceans on Another Earth

A group of researchers, backed by NASA funding, wants to use solar sails and the Sun's gravity to capture an image of an exoplanet so sharp we can see continents, oceans, and clouds.

Not a Heart of Ice

Mark Marley explains what planetary scientists mean when they say the word

Pretty Pictures of the Cosmos: Lesser-Known Luminaries

Award-winning astrophotographer Adam Block shares some of his latest images highlighting some hidden gems.

A GREAT QUEST is underway to discover Earthsize worlds in their stars’ habitable zones. Along the way, astronomers have been surprised to learn that the most typical size of planet in our galaxy is one with no counterpart in our own solar system.