Articles

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

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.

What are competed planetary missions?

A critical part of a balanced exploration program, competed missions are scientist-led projects that cost less and occur more frequently than large, flagship-class missions.

Why the true colors of the planets aren't what you think

Cameras on our space probes act as proxies for our own eyes, but what they see isn't necessarily what our eyes would see.

Moon-spying missions and a planetary evil twin

Whether they’re dedicated to it or not, planetary missions can get beautiful and informative glimpses at distant moons. And who’s the evil twin: Venus or Earth?

By Jove! (Literally)

Jupiter’s moons have always been exciting to explore, and a new era of Jovian moon research is about to begin.

Best space pictures of the month: October 2022

Stunning views of Europa and the Eagle Nebula headline our roundup of space images released last month.

Look and see

New views of Europa, favorite sights from JWST, looking at the Cosmos from the air, and other ways to visually soak up our Universe.

Space brings out the best in us

Space exploration is at its core an optimistic, peaceful and cooperative endeavor. This week we look at some reminders of that spirit of exploration.

New year, same universe

While missions are achieving new things, the cosmos reminds us that some things are universal.

Explorers beware, you’re in for a scare!

In celebration of Halloween, take a terrifying tour through our creepy cosmos.

Hubble Space Telescope picture of Jupiter, 2020

The shape of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is changing. Here’s why.

A new study says the winds within the famous Great Red Spot are speeding up in some places and slowing down in others.

Jaw-Dropping Jupiter

10 years after launching, Juno is still showing us Jupiter’s stunning beauty.

Cyclones and Storms and Flares, Oh My!

Jupiter’s cyclones are beautiful, and the Sun’s storms and flares are a little bit scary.

Venusian Probes and UFOs

Venus is an intimidating destination for spacecraft, and we’re pretty sure Earth hasn’t yet been a destination for aliens.

Eclipses: It’s All About Perspective

Look at eclipses from the perspective of Earth, the Moon, and beyond. Plus catch up on the week’s space news.

Io's shadow on Jupiter during perijove 22 (closeup)

The best Jupiter pictures from NASA’s Juno mission

As the spacecraft prepares to embark on its extended mission, here are some of the most captivating images of Jupiter from NASA's Juno probe so far.

Why lightning on Jupiter is a planetary unsolved mystery

As NASA's Juno spacecraft prepares for its extended mission, it’s worth taking a look back at why Jupiter’s lightning remains one of the planet's most fascinating enigmas.