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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
The hottest and coldest places in the Solar System
The worlds of our Solar System run the gamut of temperatures. Here are some of the hottest and coldest places we know of.
Is the Moon shrinking?
The Moon is shrinking in both actual volume and its apparent size from Earth’s perspective. We explain how scientists know this, why it happens, and how it might affect Earth.
An exquisite cosmic coincidence
Why eclipses on Earth are unlike anything else in the Solar System.
The best places to search for life in our Solar System
From Earth's neighboring planets to distant moons, these are the best places to look for alien life.
Sharing an eclipse with kids
Here's a simple and safe way to observe solar eclipses that's appropriate for young children, with no eclipse glasses or other special equipment needed.
Want to experience the 2024 total solar eclipse? Here are some tips.
We asked two eclipse chasers for tips on how to plan your big moment in the Moon's shadow.
A checklist for what to expect during the 2024 total solar eclipse
Know what to expect ahead of time, and be prepared to experience a cosmic spectacle like nothing else in nature.
See for yourself
See the month’s coolest space pictures, see planets in the night sky, and create the future in space that you want to see.
A lunar saga
How the origins of the Moon could shape the future of human space exploration.
Moonstruck
Exploring humanity’s long relationship with the Moon.
What would happen if an asteroid hit the Moon?
If a large asteroid impacted the Moon, would it cause problems for us here on Earth?
Hasta la vista, baby
Terminators abound this week in space, and we’ll be back to Mars if NASA gets the budget it needs.
Moonshadow, Moonshadow
The Moon casts shadows on itself and on Earth, environmental concerns overshadow a test launch’s success, and exoplanets are awesome (beyond a shadow of a doubt).
Have a nice flight!
Flying on Titan is easy, but not as easy as flying on Deimos. Plus, Juice takes off and Ingenuity captures a view from the air.
The phases of the Moon explained
Your guide to the phases of the Moon, their names, and why they happen.
Unusual Uranus! Moist Moon! Volcanic Venus!
A planet shows its pole, another shows possible volcanic activity, and the Moon keeps surprising us with more water.
Asteroids worth getting psyched about
New discoveries from Ryugu, material heading our way from Bennu, and anticipation for a mission to Psyche.
Our favorite moons of the Solar System
A brief guide to eight of our Solar System's most fascinating and scientifically promising moons.
A long night, and “so long!” to InSight
Celebrate the December solstice, be thankful you’re not on Triton, and say goodbye to the InSight Mars lander.
Capturing the Cosmos
This week we have images snapped the old-fashioned and cutting-edge ways, creative ways of thinking about exploration, and artwork that expresses the beauty of it all.