Planetary Science

Planetary Science

Oxygen leaking from comet surprises astronomers

The Rosetta spacecraft detected oxygen molecules coming out of comet 67P that might have been buried since the formation of the solar system.

Planetary Science

Cassini preps to shower in Enceladus’ ocean

The Cassini spacecraft is gearing up for one last plunge through the water geysers on Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn.

Planetary Science

Asteroid set for Halloween flyby

Large asteroid will pass Earth just beyond the moon’s orbit on Halloween.

Astronomy

Comet carries alcohol, sugar

Sugar and alcohol are just two of the ingredients that go into making a comet.

Planetary Science

Five surprising discoveries about Pluto

Here are five key (though not necessarily new) findings in the paper that epitomize the surprising complexity of the Pluto system.

Planetary Science

Ancient Mars had long-lasting lakes of liquid water

New evidence gathered by NASA’s Curiosity rover suggests Gale Crater once contained a stable lake of liquid water.

Planetary Science

Ceres mountains and craters named for food

A host of agricultural spirits are immortalized on several craters and mountains on the dwarf planet Ceres.

Planetary Science

Salt streaks sign of present-day water flows on Mars

Salt deposits on Mars hint at contemporary seasonal water flows on the Red Planet.

Planetary Science

Salt streaks point to present-day water flows on Mars

Salt deposits on Mars hint at contemporary seasonal water flows on the Red Planet.

Planetary Science

67P reveals recipe for a comet

Rosetta’s comet 67P probably started out as two smaller comets.

Planetary Science

Mysterious circles appear, grow on comet

The Rosetta spacecraft caught five circular depressions quickly spreading across a region of comet 67P.

Planetary Science

‘The Martian’ is entertaining science fiction rooted in fact

With NASA’s help, filmmakers made story of astronaut stranded on Mars believable.