Articles

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

Solar System History 101

How did our solar system come to be? Why are the planets, asteroids, comets, and other small worlds where they are now?

Processing images of the cosmos and returning to the Moon

Take a look at space image processing, and try it yourself. Plus, catch up on the week’s space news.

Atmospheres that intrigue, protect, and obscure

Catch up on the week’s space news and consider planetary atmospheres from a few thought-provoking perspectives.

How to stop microbes from hitching a ride to space

Learn about planetary protection for exploring other worlds and get caught up on the week’s space news.

Jupiter dazzles and Neptune beckons

Feast your eyes on these images from space, catch up on the latest in exploration news, and get the lowdown on what’s up in the night sky.

A devil on Mars and defenders of Earth

From dust devils and craters on the Martian surface to spots on the Sun, we’re taking a look at everything new and exciting in space science and exploration this week.

Mars approaches Earth, and Earthlings dream of going to Mars

Looking back into space and time, and looking forward to mission milestones and new endeavors. All this and more in your weekly space digest.

Looking up at bright planets, asteroids, and burning trash

Get an update on the latest in space exploration, and find out how you can help defend the Earth from asteroid impacts.

The view from a rover’s eyes, and tips for viewing the night sky

What do professional basketball players have in common with a Mars rover? Plus more news from the adventure of space exploration.

Jupiter from near and far, and two humans return to Earth

This week, learn about the conditions of the early solar system and get ready for next week’s meteor shower, plus more.

Say hello to Saturn and bon voyage to Perseverance

With 3 spacecraft en route to Mars, we’re sharing mission news, Martian maps, and a chance to meet Bill Nye.

Missions to Mars, and exoplanets caught on camera

Everything you need to know about two missions en route to Mars and another gearing up for launch, plus the rest of the week’s space news.

Imaging and imagination in space

Learn about The Planetary Society’s vision for the next decade of exploration and get up to speed on space news.

Mars in all its glory, and a planet as hot as a star

Dive into Mars mania and catch up on this week’s space exploration updates.

Asteroid Bennu during OSIRIS-REx sample rehearsal

It's a banner year for sample return missions. In 2020, China, Japan, and the United States are all scheduled to have sample return missions in flight, seeking to retrieve material from near-Earth asteroids, the Moon, and eventually Mars.