Old becomes new

Old data are yielding new discoveries about Venus’ volcanism. Analysis of radar data from NASA’s Magellan orbiter has found evidence of the formation of new rock on the Venusian surface, likely from lava flows from two volcanoes, suggesting that these volcanoes erupted while the spacecraft orbited the planet in the 1990s. This adds to the evidence that Venus is more volcanically active today than previously believed. Pictured: A view of Venus’ surface based on radar data shows the volcano Sif Mons, which is exhibiting signs of ongoing activity. Image credit: NASA/JPL.

ESA’s Solar Orbiter has traced solar wind to its source. The spacecraft recently connected measurements of the solar wind around it to source regions seen in high-resolution images of the Sun’s surface at a close distance. This allows scientists to better understand the origins of solar wind on the Sun, improving the ability to predict phenomena like solar storms.

Meet the nearest temperate Earth-sized planet ever discovered. Gliese 12 b is a planet similar in size to Earth, located just 40 light-years away. It was discovered using the TESS space telescope and confirmed with follow-up observations from other space and ground-based observatories. Gliese 12 b is a great candidate for follow-up observations by JWST, which could help determine whether Earth-like planets orbiting cool stars can retain their atmospheres.

The National Space Society mourns the passing of Anita Gale. The National Space Society’s CEO and longtime board member Anita Gale transformed the organization over the course of her 33 years of involvement, including the opening of a new headquarters office at the Kennedy Space Center and garnering a $1 million grant from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future.

The coolest space pics of the last month are here! Among them is this vertigo-inducing view of the International Space Station, captured by HEO Robotics’ imaging satellite from a distance of just 69 kilometers (43 miles). Among May’s best space images, you’ll also find beautiful aurorae, a cosmic butterfly, a Europan platypus, and more. Image credit: HEO Robotics.

What does it mean when we say “competed missions?” ​​When The Planetary Society advocates for a balanced portfolio of planetary exploration missions at NASA, we frequently mention the importance of “competed missions” as part of that balance. Learn what that term means, how they’re different from other types of missions, and why they matter.

Together, to Mars. Every year, Explore Mars hosts the Humans to Mars Summit, a global gathering of people working to advance human exploration of the Red Planet and beyond. This week on Planetary Radio, hear from representatives from around the world about the work being done to build a permanent and sustainable human presence on Mars.