Meteor trail over Chelyabinsk

Solar System

AGU 2017: News from the Solar System

­­­Here's a quick look at results announced at the 2017 American Geophysical Union meeting in New Orleans: exploding meteoroids, Saturn's ring-atmosphere connection, and more bright spots on Ceres.

Saturn rings finale

Solar System

Surprising Science from Cassini's Grand Finale

You'd think scientists would have Saturn all figured out after watching it up close for 13 years. They don't.

Cassini Grand Finale

Solar System

As Cassini Takes Its Final Plunge, What Will We Learn?

As Cassini dives into Saturn's atmosphere this Friday, ending 13 years of exploration, expect to probe the ringed planet's mysteries as never before.

Cassini Grand Finale

Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson

Cassini Traverses "Big Empty" on First Grand Finale Pass

The Grand Finale is underway, as NASA's Cassini spacecraft sails through a clear gap between Saturn and its rings.

Cassini Grand Finale

Space Missions

Cassini Survives First "Grand Finale" Dive

Cassini's Grand Finale has begun, as the spacecraft threaded the needle between Saturn and its rings, following several fantastic moon passes and a final glance back at Earth.

Cassini at Saturn

Astronomy in Space with David Dickinson

Cassini's Grand Finale Orbits Set to Begin

NASA's Cassini mission nears its final act — the spacecraft will enter the first of its Grand Finale Orbits later this month.