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The Planetary Report • December Solstice 2014
The Year in Pictures
On the Cover: India’s first interplanetary mission, the Mars Orbiter Mission, successfully entered orbit at the Red Planet on September 24, 2014. Hours later, the spacecraft returned its first color images of Mars. This view, taken in early October, shows the volcanoes of Elysium and, toward the bottom of the disk, the dark swath of Terra Cimmeria. Above Terra Cimmeria is a small crater with a large, dark streak running down from it. That’s Gale, Curiosity’s landing site.
Features
2 It's Time to Get Moving...Forward! Richard Chute introduces our new strategic plan.
6 The Year in Pictures: Emily Lakdawalla shares some of 2014's best views.
14 The Exploration Desert: Casey Dreier warns of the impact of budget cuts.
16 Ceres: Andy Rivkin looks forward to Dawn's encounter with the dwarf planet.
20 The Planetary Deep Drill: Bruce Betts describes an exciting new project and invites asteroid hunters to apply for grants.
Departments
4 Your Place in Space Bill Nye unveils some ambitious goals.
12 Happening on Planetary Radio Hear from the people making exploration history with Mat Kaplan.
12 On Planetary.org This is where the daily news in space comes alive...check it out!
13 Volunteer Spotlight Our Global Volunteer Network is taking shape.
15 Factinos More clues to Mars' watery past.
22 Society Members Patrick Wiggins is honored by NASA.
23 What’s Up? Eclipse news and planet views.
The Planetary Report • December Solstice 2014
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