SUNSET: 
When Planets Collect Comets
What kind of planets are likely to ensnare comets coming in from the icy outer reaches of a planetary system?
See a Rare Transit of Iapetus on July 17–18
It's tiny. It's challenging. But you won't get the chance to see Iapetus transit the globe of Saturn again until 2037!
Asteroid Bennu Almost Swallowed Spacecraft Whole
Scientists knew the asteroid Bennu was likely a rubble pile rather than solid rock, but OSIRIS-REX's recent visit surprised them in showing just how loosely the asteroid really is.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Titan Occults a Bright Star, Mira Awakens, and Comet PanSTARRS Shines
Pick one or see them all. July offers a potpourri of celestial events for both naked-eye observers and telescope users that include a rare occultation by Saturn's moon Titan, a bright comet, and Mira at maximum.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Solar System Gets its Ducks in a Row
We'll have not one but many opportunities to enjoy a rare lineup of the bright planets over the next few weeks. Amazingly, they'll be aligned in order of their distance from the Sun.
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
Perseverance Watches Wild Winds on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover is recording the windy weather in Jezero Crater, chronicling its role in making the Red Planet dusty.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Tau Herculid Meteors Surprise and Delight
We touch on the highlights of the memorable Tau Herculid meteor shower and also report on the recent outburst of the recurrent nova U Scorpii.
Mystery of the Sun's Chemical Makeup Lingers
Astronomers think they might have a solution to the conundrum of the Sun's chemical composition.
Piano Concerto on the Planets Premieres
A piano concerto based on the solar system’s planets just had its world premiere. And you can hear a sampling of the music right here!
The Sun Is Waking Up — Right On Schedule
The Sun is ramping up activity, but contrary to some reports, this solar cycle is still consistent with scientists' predictions.
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
NASA's Insight Lander Detects Monster Marsquake
NASA’s Mars Insight lander witnessed the largest quake detected on another world at just the right time — as the lander begins to run low on power.
Spotting Dots on the Sun
You’ve heard of sunspots, but how about Sun dots? A recent solar mission has snapped photos of tiny, bright dots on the Sun, and astronomers are contemplating their cause.
Where Did Earth’s Trojans Go? Ask the Moon
Why doesn't Earth have Trojan asteroids of its own? Large impacts in the early years of the solar system may be to blame.
Scientists Wonder: Is the Origin of Life Extraterrestrial?
A new analysis method has revealed DNA building blocks in meteorites, suggesting that these prebiotic molecules might have formed during the solar system's earliest years.
Explore the Night with Bob King
How to Observe and Measure Naked-eye Sunspots
As Solar Cycle 25 ticks up, naked-eye sunspots are becoming more frequent. They're not only fun to observe, but with this simple method you can determine just how big they are. We also have news on a bright supernova!
New Target for Asteroid Probe: “Potentially Hazardous” Apophis
Once the primary mission of NASA's OSIRIS-REx is complete, the spacecraft will head toward a new destination: near-Earth asteroid Apophis.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Celebrate Spring with the Lyrids
People have been watching the annual Lyrid meteor shower for more than 2,700 years. Come join the crowd!
Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson
What's in Store for the Next Decade of Planetary Science
Big winners in the planetary science decadal survey include a Uranus flagship mission, a orbiter and lander for Enceladus, and an emphasis on planetary defense.
Icy Moon Europa May Host Water Near the Surface
Radar measurements of ice on Earth suggest that Jupiter's moon Europa might host water near its surface.
Summer on Neptune is Surprisingly Chilly
Even though Neptune is entering its version of summer, it's actually cooling down — except for its poles, which are mysteriously warming up.
