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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
The best pictures of Mars from space
Spacecraft have been taking pictures of Mars from space since 1965. Here are some of our favorites.
Day and night, it’s all about starlight
This week in space: Mars days almost match up with ours, and light and molecules are created by distant stars.
Spectacularly crepuscular!
Curiosity captures crepuscular rays on Mars, a new member community launches, and solar sailing takes exploration into the future.
Your guide to water on Mars
Mars used to have oceans, lakes, and rivers. Where did the water go, how much is left, and how can we use it for science and exploration?
Rather remarkable robots
The robotic explorers of our Cosmos are truly impressive, as showcased by several spacecraft this week.
Space brings out the best in us
Space exploration is at its core an optimistic, peaceful and cooperative endeavor. This week we look at some reminders of that spirit of exploration.
Shoot for the moon that shoots back
Saturn’s moon Enceladus has some intriguing features: snow, ice, geysers, stripes and much more, all waiting to be further explored.
Alone in space, but not lonely
Comet Leonard heads out to roam free in interstellar space, alongside rogue planets, their moons, and maybe even life.
Let’s not forget the other Mars explorers
This week we take a look at some of the amazing Mars exploration being conducted, and celebrate the highlights of space in 2021.
Eclipses: It’s All About Perspective
Look at eclipses from the perspective of Earth, the Moon, and beyond. Plus catch up on the week’s space news.
Solar Plasma and Europan Magma
From solar storms to underwater volcanoes and asteroid close calls, catch up on what’s scary and beautiful this week in space.
When Phobos hits your eye like a big pizza pie...
Get a peek at the Martian moon and catch up on what the newest Mars explorer has been up to.
A cosmic bowling ball spinning through space
Jupiter is a world of extremes, and Venus hints at some mysteries. You can take action to help learn more about these worlds and others.
Life on Mars: Your Questions Answered
The red planet once had liquid water on the surface, and conditions that could have supported life.
Imaging and imagination in space
Learn about The Planetary Society’s vision for the next decade of exploration and get up to speed on space news.
Every Mars landing attempt as of June 2020
Two maps by The Planetary Society show all the places we've landed or crashed on Mars as of June 2020.
Two Mars Missions Are Gutted Despite Near-Record Funding for Planetary Science
A new budget submission from the White House would continue record-high funding for planetary science, but proposes deep cuts to 2 productive Mars missions and defers funding for deep space telescope dedicated to finding hazardous near-Earth objects.
Curiosity Gazes Upon Noctilucent Clouds Over Gale Crater
Wispy clouds of stunning beauty fly over Curiosity every evening.
Curiosity Update, Sols 2313-2387: Two New Drill Holes Despite Memory Problems
The Curiosity team is touring Glen Torridon, the Valley of Clay, south of Vera Rubin Ridge, happily photographing everything and zapping rocks. It’s clearly a delight for the team to be in a place they’ve been hoping to reach for 7 years.
Curiosity Update, Sols 2257-2312: Drilling at Rock Hall and Arrival at the Valley of Clay
Curiosity completed work at Vera Rubin Ridge with an easy drilling activity at Rock Hall. Now it has finally driven on to mineral-rick rocks that were seen from orbit, long before Curiosity arrived. The team plans a lengthy traverse of the clay-bearing unit.