181–200 of 1,111 results
Arabia Terra from orbit

Solar System

Mars Hosted Supervolcanoes in the Ancient Past

Scientists have found massive ash deposits that formed over millions of years of volcanic super-eruptions, the first evidence for such explosive activity on Mars.

Jupiter, color-enhanced

Solar System

Hail-like “Mushballs” May Fall on All Our Giant Planets

"Mushballs," first inferred to exist on Jupiter, may fall within the atmospheres of all the solar system's giant planets.

Solar System

Misfit Meteorite Sheds Light on Solar System History

Scientists have discovered the first meteorite that doesn't fall into one of two fundamental groups. The meteorite provides a unique glimpse into the era of asteroid formation and migration.

Possible Jovian impact flash

Celestial News & Events

Amateurs Spot New Impact Flash at Jupiter

An amateur astronomer has discovered a possible new impact flash in Jupiter's equatorial region. Observers may yet see the dark impact scar.

Comet 4P/Faye and tail

Solar System

Making Time for Morning Comets

If you like mixing comets with the quietude of observing in the small hours, September opens with five fuzzy vagabonds just waiting for a visit.

2021 PH27

Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson

Astronomers Discover Asteroid that Flies Close to the Sun

Newly discovered asteroid 2021 PH27 orbits the Sun in just 113 days.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter over Nilosyrtis Mensae (art)

Solar System

Discovery of a Recent Martian Mudslide

A geologically recent landslide on Mars appears like mudslides on Earth — but it would have required water during a time when Mars was expected to be dry.

Venus

Solar System

Venus: Thin-skinned and Likely to Blow

Scientists found a strange little volcanic feature on the edge of a Venusian corona, giving further credence to the theory that the planet has a thin outer layer and an active interior.

New model of Saturn's interior

Solar System

Saturn Has a Fuzzy Core, Too

New research reveals that Saturn, like Jupiter, has a “fuzzy” core that extends 60% of the way to its surface, a finding that is changing how astronomers think about giant planets.

Gale Crater

Solar System

Gale Crater on Mars: An Ancient Lake or Just Puddles?

A new study suggests that wind, not water, created the rock layers in Gale Crater, where the Curiosity rover roams.

First Sample

Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson

Mars Perseverance Rover Hits a Snag on First Sampling Attempt (Update)

Perseverance came up empty on its first attempt to grab and stow a sample of Mars.

A diamond-shaped grey asteroid with ridges, holes, and craters in it, against a black background

Solar System

Don’t Worry About Bennu (Yet)

Careful measurements using the OSIRIS-REX spacecraft have refined astronomers’ predictions for how likely it is that this potentially hazardous asteroid will strike Earth.

Venus flybys

Solar System

Two Space Probes to Pass by Venus (Update)

Two spacecraft are heading for a close Venus encounter: Solar Orbiter passes by on August 9th and BepiColombo on August 10th.

Solar System

Two Extremely Red Asteroids Discovered Far from Home

Astronomers have discovered the two reddest objects in the asteroid belt, and their origin story might tell us more about planet formation.

Comet Interceptor

Solar System

How the Comet Interceptor Will Chase Visitors to the Inner Solar System

How will engineers plan the trajectory of Comet Interceptor, a mission designed to fly by an interstellar visitor, when its target is still unknown?

Solar System

"Liquid Water" Below Martian Surface Might Be Clay

Mysterious spots that scientists thought were subsurface lakes beneath the Martian south pole may instead be ancient clay deposits.

Near-Earth asteroid

Solar System

How Often Do Chicxulub-level Asteroids Hit Earth?

Asteroids of different sizes crashing on Earth originated from different parts of the main asteroid belt, researchers say; the finding has implications for how often such collisions happen.

Mars interior

Solar System

NASA's Insight Reveals First Look Inside Mars

The Insight mission science team has used about 10 deep marsquakes to take stock of the planet's anatomy.

Cratered Floor, Fratcured Rough

Solar System

NASA's Perseverance to Collect First Sample from Mars

Perseverance will soon collect the first of many samples from the Martian surface in a quest to answer whether the planet once hosted life.

close up of corner of jupiter with gaynmede in background

Astronomy & Observing News

Juno’s Ganymede Flyby: Video Update

NASA's Juno flew by Jupiter's Ganymede, the biggest moon in the solar system, on June 7, 2021.