Articles

Stories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.

Twister, but make it magnetic

A Jovian storm has its roots in a magnetic vortex, life finds a way into an asteroid sample, and more this week in space.

Gazing off into space

Turn your gaze to the heavens and you’ll find planets, stars, galaxies, and perhaps a new passion.

The best gifts for people who love space

From books to games to apparel and more, this collection of gift ideas (including some that don't cost a dime!) is perfect for anyone who loves space.

A beginner’s guide to stargazing

It only takes a few basic tips to start exploring the night sky.

Ripples and rivers

Liquids do all kinds of interesting things on planetary surfaces, from creating rippled impact craters to streaming out from under carbon dioxide glaciers.

What to watch for in a second Trump administration

Good for space, bad for NASA? Here's what to watch for as NASA enters into Trump's second term.

Streaks and highlights

It’s been a great year for space exploration. Now you get to pick the highlights.

Journeys worth making

Perseverance faces a hard climb, but New Horizons proves it’s worth going the distance.

Grand designs

From logos to policy to mission architectures, if you want to achieve something in space, you’ve got to design it first.

Space in the 2024 elections

An overview of what U.S. space policy might look like under a Trump or a Harris administration.

Solar maximum = maximum awe

With the Sun at the peak of its activity cycle, we Earthlings get treated to some awesome sights. Plus, some truly awe-inspiring launches happened this week.

Europa Clipper launches on its journey to Jupiter’s icy moon

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft launched today aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Twinsies!

Asteroids that come in pairs, matching volcanic features on Mars and Earth, and the potential space policies of two administrations.

Hera launches to study the aftermath of an asteroid deflection test

The European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft launched on Oct. 7, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It will travel to the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system to study the aftermath of the first-ever field test of an asteroid deflection technique.

Glitter and glow

This week we look forward to launches, gaze at glowing auroras, and get creative with glitter.

Europa Clipper: A mission backed by advocates

Europa Clipper will soon head for Jupiter's icy, potentially habitable moon. Without the advocacy efforts of The Planetary Society and our members, the mission may never have been possible.