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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Looking for long waves
Why JWST observes in the infrared.
The best of 2023
The results are in for the Best of 2023! People around the world voted, and here are the winning space images, missions, exploration milestones, and more.
How old is the Earth?
The Earth is thought to be about 4.54 billion years old. Learn more about how it formed, and how we know when this all happened.
Lucy’s flyby of Dinkinesh: Everything you need to know
On Nov. 1, 2023, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft flew past Dinkinesh, a small asteroid in the main belt, and discovered a binary pair of moonlets in orbit around the asteroid.
Why aren't there more close-up images of Uranus and Neptune?
There aren't many close-up, high-resolution images of the ice giants Uranus and Neptune. The reason comes down to distance.
How do humans try to communicate with aliens?
SETI is the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, using various techniques to look for signals from advanced alien civilizations. METI (messaging extraterrestrial intelligence) is when we send out our own signals for aliens to find.
Why partial eclipses are worth seeing
Partial eclipses are the most common solar eclipse to see. Here's why that is, and why it's worth going out and (safely) looking up.
What is an annular solar eclipse?
An overview of annular solar eclipses, how they work, what they're like to experience, and how to view one safely.
A guide to eclipse vocabulary
A list of useful words and terms relating to lunar and solar eclipses.
Are your solar eclipse glasses safe?
A guide to how to make sure your solar eclipse glasses are safe and certified, plus tips on what to do — and what not to do — if you want to experience an eclipse without glasses.
How to see newly discovered Comet Nishimura
Comet Nishimura was discovered in August 2023, and is passing close to Earth and the Sun in September. Learn more about it and how to find it.
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?
Life on Venus: Your Questions Answered
Is there life on Venus? Was our planetary neighbor ever inhabited? Here are the answers to your most pressing questions about the possibility of alien life on Venus.
Why did we need OSIRIS-REx?
How OSIRIS-REx’s samples build upon our knowledge of asteroids and the early Solar System.
Are aliens real?
An exploration of whether aliens are out there, what kind of extraterrestrial life is most likely to exist, and how we're looking for it.
Why is Venus called Earth’s twin?
Although Venus and Earth have many differences, they're often called twins because of some key similarities. Looking back to the two planets' early history, the similarities run even deeper.
The phases of the Moon explained
Your guide to the phases of the Moon, their names, and why they happen.
What does “Mercury in retrograde” actually mean?
"Mercury in retrograde" is one of the most searched terms relating to the planet. Astrological interpretations aside, apparent retrograde motion is an interesting phenomenon that has to do with orbital speeds and observer perspective.