Solar Plasma and Europan Magma

Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is thought to have a subsurface ocean, might also be harboring underwater volcanoes. New computer modeling suggests Jupiter’s powerful gravitational pull may cause the rocky interior beneath Europa’s ocean to “flex” and generate heat. This could hypothetically give rise to seafloor volcanoes. We’ll hopefully learn more when NASA’s Europa Clipper investigates the icy moon, beginning in 2030. Pictured: NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft captured the images used to make this high-resolution mosaic of Europa in 1979. Image credit: NASA/Ted Stryk/The Planetary Society.

Martian terrain may be hiding organic salts. A new study based on data from NASA’s Curiosity rover gives further evidence to the idea that the surface of Mars contains organic salts. Organic salts can arise naturally from geologic processes, but they can also be leftover from extinct forms of life. Curiosity has yet to directly detect organic salts on the Red Planet but research is still ongoing.

On May 26, some lucky stargazers were treated to a total lunar eclipse and super blood moon combo. The total lunar eclipse was visible in parts of eastern Asia and Russia, Australia, Western North and South America and more. You can learn more about lunar eclipses and supermoons in our handy guide.

The future of space-based observatories is going to be exciting. Four new proposals for space-based telescopes are currently under review, competing for the top recommendation in the 2020 astronomy and astrophysics decadal survey. Astrophysicist Grant Tremblay joins this week’s Planetary Radio to talk about the four proposed missions that have collectively been named the New Great Observatories. Pictured: Logos for the proposed missions. Image credit: The New Great Observatories Coalition.

How often do dangerous asteroids come close to the Earth? Our new interactive infographic shows you every asteroid big enough to destroy a city that has passed or will pass closer than the Moon. When you see just how common these close calls are, it’s easy to understand why planetary defense is such a crucial effort.

Close calls don’t have to be scary. You can take action today to help make sure we’re never caught off guard by asteroids. Donate to our Shoemaker NEO Grant program to fund asteroid hunters who are finding and tracking potentially dangerous near-Earth asteroids. U.S. residents can also petition Congress and the White House to support NASA’s planetary defense efforts. If you live elsewhere, we encourage you to find the contact information for your government representative(s) and tell them about the importance of planetary defense and the steps that need to be taken by all nations of the world. With your help, we can defend our planet from the hazards of the cosmos.