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Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
How space explorers could grow habitats from fungus
A NASA-funded project is exploring the possibility of using mycelium — the root-like structure in fungi — to grow habitats on the Moon or Mars.
Should you be worried about Asteroid 2024 YR4?
Experts weigh in about the recently discovered near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 that has about a 1% chance of impacting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032.
The Planetary Society’s role in real space missions
Since 1980, The Planetary Society has been active in over 20 space exploration missions, from leading public outreach efforts to funding the development of instruments.
Mars’ enduring role in the search for life
New discoveries underscore why we must keep exploring the red planet.
The best of 2024
The winners of our annual campaign to pick the best of the best from the last year of space exploration.
The best gifts for people who love space
From books to games to apparel and more, this collection of gift ideas (including some that don't cost a dime!) is perfect for anyone who loves space.
Europa Clipper launches on its journey to Jupiter’s icy moon
NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft launched today aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Hera launches to study the aftermath of an asteroid deflection test
The European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft launched on Oct. 7, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It will travel to the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system to study the aftermath of the first-ever field test of an asteroid deflection technique.
The Hera launch: What to expect
The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch a mission to study the aftermath of DART's impact on the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos.
The Europa Clipper launch: What to expect
NASA is preparing to launch its flagship mission to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa. Launching sometime in October 2024 and arriving in 2030, the mission will explore the icy world with a subsurface ocean that scientists think could have conditions favorable to life.
New insights into asteroid properties: A STEP Grant update
A Planetary Society-funded project to understand asteroids achieved its main goals and scientific objectives this year.
Earthlings as aliens
Looking at life on Earth from another perspective.
What would happen if we nuked an asteroid?
Detonating a nuclear weapon on or near an asteroid is one of several options for defending the Earth from an impact. Here's what nuking an asteroid might actually do, and why it isn't always the best option.
How EELS could change the future of robotic exploration
The snake-like robot is being designed to autonomously navigate the challenging terrain of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, including descending into fissures in the moon’s icy crust. The skills it needs in order to explore this distant, unfamiliar world may make EELS well equipped to explore even more alien worlds, perhaps including exoplanets.
Does Jupiter protect Earth from asteroids and comets?
Jupiter has often been thought to protect the inner Solar System from asteroids and comets, but new research has shown that the giant planet may actually increase the risk of an impact.
2024 Shoemaker NEO Grant winner updates
Every two years, The Planetary Society awards a series of grants to asteroid hunters through our Shoemaker Near-Earth Object (NEO) Grant program. Here's the latest from some of our recent grant recipients.
What would it be like to stand on the surface of Titan?
If you could visit Titan, you'd be in for a very alien experience.
What are asteroids made of?
C-type, S-type, and M-type are the three most common kinds of asteroids. Here's what each type is made of.
Far from alone
How exoplanet discoveries reshape the prospect of alien life.
What is the Outer Space Treaty?
An overview of one of international space law’s foundational documents.