Where did we come from? Are we alone in the Universe? We can only answer these questions by exploring the planets and other worlds of our Solar System and beyond. Learn why these worlds are so important, and how you can get involved.

The Sun, our Solar System’s star

We study the Sun to learn about how stars work, and to help protect our civilization from solar storms.

Mercury, world of extremes

Mercury a little-explored world, full of mystery, with a surface split into extremes and an interior that puzzles scientists.

Venus, Earth's twin sister

Venus may have had oceans and been habitable to life before being transformed into an inhospitable wasteland.

Earth, our home planet

Earth, the only planet known to support life, offers liquid water, an oxygen-rich atmosphere, and protection from the Sun’s harmful radiation.

The Moon, gateway for science and exploration

The Moon is the only world besides Earth ever walked on by humans. By studying it, scientists can learn about Earth’s past and better understand worlds throughout the galaxy.

Global view of Mars from MOM: Tharsis Montes and Valles Marineris

Mars, the red planet

Mars once had liquid water on the surface and could have supported life. Scientists are uncovering how it transformed into the cold, dry desert-world it is today.

Asteroids, comets, and other small worlds

Asteroids and comets are windows into the Solar System's past and a potential threat to Earth today.

Jupiter, the planet with a planetary system of its own

Jupiter, our largest planet, teaches us how planetary systems evolve. Its four planet-like moons make it a planetary system of its own.

Io, Jupiter’s chaotic volcano moon

Io, one of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, is known for its explosivity.

Europa, Jupiter’s possible watery moon

Europa is the sixth-largest moon in the solar system and Jupiter’s fourth-largest satellite.

Saturn, planet of rings, moons and more to explore

Saturn is the crown jewel of our solar system. It has a stunning set of rings, diverse moons, and so much more to explore.

Enceladus, Saturn’s moon with a hidden ocean

With its subsurface ocean and so-called "tiger stripes," Enceladus is one of Saturn's most fascinating moons.

Titan, a moon with familiar vistas

Saturn's largest moon, Titan, is both the only other place in the Solar System with liquid on its surface and the only moon with a thick atmosphere, making it a tantalizing destination to search for life.