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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Chang’e-6 launch: What to expect
China will attempt to return the first-ever samples from the far side of the Moon.
What are planets made of?
A look at the compositions of terrestrial planets, gas giants, and ice giants in our Solar System.
The hottest and coldest places in the Solar System
The worlds of our Solar System run the gamut of temperatures. Here are some of the hottest and coldest places we know of.
Experiencing the total solar eclipse without sight
New technologies, projects, and resources aim to help people with blindness and low vision experience the eclipse.
Is Planet X/Planet Nine real?
Planet X and Planet Nine are planets that have, at one time or another, been thought to exist in our Solar System. Both were hypothesized to explain the orbital characteristics of smaller outer Solar System bodies.
Is the Moon shrinking?
The Moon is shrinking in both actual volume and its apparent size from Earth’s perspective. We explain how scientists know this, why it happens, and how it might affect Earth.
How to find eclipse events in your area
There are hundreds of eclipse events being held all across North America. Here's how to find one near you.
Seizing upon syzygy
How scientists use total solar eclipses as opportunities to do solar science.
An exquisite cosmic coincidence
Why eclipses on Earth are unlike anything else in the Solar System.
How to host an eclipse party
Hosting a solar eclipse-watching party is a fantastic way to share one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events with your friends and family. Here’s a guide to hosting a safe and memorable eclipse-watching party.
Become an Eclipse Explorer!
In anticipation of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, The Planetary Society has partnered with the National Park Service to launch a new Eclipse Explorer Junior Ranger booklet.
What is Venus' quasi-moon Zoozve?
The story behind the newly-named quasi-satellite of Venus.
The best places to search for life in our Solar System
From Earth's neighboring planets to distant moons, these are the best places to look for alien life.
The coolest moons of Jupiter and Saturn you’ve never heard of
Meet the lesser-known moons of our Solar System's gas giants.
What to look forward to in space in 2024
A total solar eclipse and the launch of Europa Clipper are on our list of cosmic events to get excited about this year.
What went wrong with Mars Sample Return
An edited transcript of an interview with Orlando Figueroa, chair of the independent review team that evaluated NASA's Mars Sample Return program.
Uranus' biggest unsolved mysteries
Distant, icy Uranus has puzzled scientists for decades. From its sideways spin to its mysterious magnetic field, the oddball world has many secrets waiting to be revealed.
Asteroids vs comets vs meteorites/meteoroids/meteors
A handy guide to help tease apart the differences between asteroids, comets, meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. e
Why the true colors of the planets aren't what you think
Cameras on our space probes act as proxies for our own eyes, but what they see isn't necessarily what our eyes would see.
What is a planetary conjunction?
An explainer on planetary conjunctions, and what it means when a planet is at conjunction or at opposition.