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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Looking forward to looking into deep space
The newest issue of The Planetary Report takes a look at the James Webb Space Telescope and what it will teach us about the cosmos.
The Fermi paradox and Drake equation: Where are all the aliens?
Theoretical work in SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, is dominated by two key concepts: the Fermi paradox and the Drake equation.
SpaceX Inspiration4 mission: Your questions, answered
SpaceX is preparing to launch the first-ever entirely civilian mission — Inspiration4 — into Earth orbit.
What are the most Earth-like worlds we’ve found?
The ongoing hunt for Earth-like worlds, especially over the next few decades, hopes to illuminate how ordinary and extraordinary our planet may be.
Why we need plutonium power for space missions
Spacecraft need power to reach the dark, dusty, distant locales of our solar system. Safe, non-weapons-grade plutonium-238 provides that power when solar energy can't cut it.
We Love to Buggy
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo mission that introduced Moon buggies to the world, and catch up on this week’s space news.
The Icy Intrigue of Enceladus
Saturn’s icy moon invites further study, and The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 spacecraft celebrates an anniversary.
Cyclones and Storms and Flares, Oh My!
Jupiter’s cyclones are beautiful, and the Sun’s storms and flares are a little bit scary.
Seeing Ourselves in Space
When we look at our planet, look for life, or direct a rover to look at itself, we see ourselves in new ways.
Unlikely Space Travelers
Squid, mice, and stuffed animals may seem like Earthlings, but this week they’re coming to you from space.
Spotting Rovers From Above and Asteroids From Afar
China’s Zhurong Mars rover snaps a selfie and gets a bird’s-eye-view pic from above, and asteroid hunters of all kinds look out for dangerous rocks.
Risky business: will the world rise to the challenge of asteroid defense?
This November, NASA will launch the world’s first mission to test a method of deflecting an asteroid.
"Just Nuke 'Em!" Planetary Defense in the Movies
What two famous 1998 asteroid movies got right and wrong.
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.
Is it aliens? Three questions to evaluate UFO claims
It's important to consider explanations that don't involve large conspiracies or require our understanding of physics to be wrong.
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.
Solar Plasma and Europan Magma
From solar storms to underwater volcanoes and asteroid close calls, catch up on what’s scary and beautiful this week in space.
A Super Blood Moon Is Nicer Than It Sounds
Find out what a super blood Moon is, and celebrate a milestone in Mars exploration.
Seeking Small Worlds
A spacecraft leaves one asteroid as planetary defense experts turn to others.
Saving the World One Asteroid at a Time
Don’t leave it up to cosmic fate; take action right now to defend our planet from dangerous impacts.