planets

What planets make up our solar system? Find out and learn how we study them to help us understand the rest of the known universe.

After the Flash: Exploring a Supernova Remnant

High-mass stars can explode, becoming a supernova. What’s left after the explosion? Learn more about the supernova remnant now.
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artist rendition of an explosion in space

Everything About Gamma-Ray Bursts

Gamma-ray bursts are mysterious, energetic explosions from deep space. Here's what scientists know about these bursts — and what causes them.
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It’s Just a Phase: Facts About The Moon

The moon is our only natural satellite, but did you know it's slowly drifting away? Check out these awesome facts about the moon.
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Types of Telescopes: Exploring Faraway Stars

The average human eye can only spot around 5,000 stars under ideal circumstances. To see the rest, we need different types of telescopes.
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Exciting New Discovery! Fossil Stars Found in the Milky Way

When scientists discovered Terzan 5, they assumed it was a globular cluster. However they found more than they bargained for.
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How Juno Helps Uncover Jupiter’s Secrets & the Mysteries of the Solar System’s Formation

A NASA probe named Juno, a small sample of Earthly rocket science, will hopefully be the key to uncovering some secrets about the fifth planet from the sun.
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With a Whimper, Not a Bang: What Are White Dwarfs?

White dwarfs are just one of a million different things in the universe that we’re only beginning to understand.
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Why Does Mars Contain Organic Materials?

With no water, a thin atmosphere and dust storms that can last for months, Mars sin't exactly conducive to the development of life. But despite the harsh environment, scientists have found organic materials on Mars. How did we find organic materials & how did it get there in the first place?
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How Juno Survived Its Close Encounter Giving Us Valuable Insight

Juno survived its first close encounter with Jupiter. See stunning images from the Juno mission here!
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Does the TRAPPIST-1 System Have Too Much Water to Support Life?

One of the most exciting exoplanet discoveries in recent years is the TRAPPIST-1 System — anywhere from five to seven planets orbiting a sun, with at least a few of them in the star's habitable zone. Is it possible for a system like this to be too good to be true? Could a planet have too much water to support life?
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What Could Future Satellite Launches Look Like?

Traditionally, satellites are launched atop rockets. What will the future of satellite launches look like?
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an astronaut returning to earth, landing in grass

Curious How Astronauts Return to Routine on Earth? Here’s How That Re-Learning Process Works

Life in space is an incomparably unique experience only a select few can have. It can transform the mind and body in a way nothing else on Earth can, so what happens when astronauts return to Earth? Discover how these professionals are trained to reacclimate to life on the big blue marble with grace. Post-Mission…
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Where Are We With Solar System Exploration?

We've spent a lifetime dreaming of the stars. Where are we with solar system exploration and what will it take to reach the stars?
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The Parker Space Probe: What We Hope to Learn

The Parker Space Probe is one of the newest probes in our fleet, & NASA will launch soon. Where is it going, & what do we hope to learn from the mission?
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Thankful for All the Opportunity Rover Taught Us

While we wait to hear back from the Opportunity Rover, let's take a closer look at her journey to-date. The little rover taught us a lot over the years.
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TRAPPIST-1: What Makes Finding 7 Earth-Sized Planets Significant?

Researchers believe the discovery around TRAPPIST-1 will a key component for future study of Earth-sized planets and their surrounding atmospheres.
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A spiral galaxy showing a bright core surrounded by blue and golden hues

James Webb vs. Hubble: Advancements in Space Telescope Technology 

The James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes are two of the most iconic instruments in astronomy. Each transform our understanding of the universe and knowing how they work can deepen our knowledge further.
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Exploring the Surprising Theory about a Contender for Ninth Planet

Have you heard the news? Looks like the planet count in the solar system may be back up to nine. Will there be a new ninth planet?
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People Are Obsessed With Going to Mars

People are obsessed with going to Mars. For the last 50-60 years, scientists & civilians alike have been obsessed with the red planet
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Does This Interstellar Asteroid Contain Alien Life?  

The interstellar asteroid, first discovered in October 2017 as it whizzed through our solar system, has peaked everyone’s interest. Now dubbed Oumuamua, it’s unlike any asteroid previously encountered and it has scientists rushing to study the object before it leaves our solar system.
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Fascinating Things We Learned from Scott Kelly’s Year in Space

NASA hopes to learn about how bodily fluids shift in microgravity and how radiation impacts body cells by studying data from Kelly's year in space.
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JAXA Working to Quickly Restore Malfunctioning X-Ray Satellite

Find out how JAXA is working desperately to regain communications with malfunctioning x-ray satellite, Hitomi.
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OSIRIS-REx: What You Need to Know About The Mission

OSIRIS-REx is on an asteroid sample mission that may help us understand the beginning of our solar system and learn more about “Armageddon” asteroids.
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Did Scientists Just Find a Clue to Alien Life on Titan?

We typically imagine alien life as humanoid. However, vinyl cyanide, a compound toxic on Earth, could be a building block for life in the oceans on Titan.
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Getting Cozy: Exploring Clusters of Galaxies

Come and explore these clusters of galaxies and see what they might be able to teach us about the universe as we know it.
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Cassini Spacecraft

The Life and Times of the Cassini Spacecraft

The Cassini spacecraft was in orbit around Saturn since it reached the gas giant in 2004 until September, 2017. Read more about Cassini now.
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How Does Human Spaceflight Affect the Body and Mind?

How does human spaceflight affect the mind and body, and what options exist for reducing the negative aspects? Take a closer look here.
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This New Tool Will Help Us Know More About Galaxies

How could facial recognition be used in astronomy? What can deep learning program teach us about our nearest intergalactic neighbors?
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Latest Articles

A spiral galaxy showing a bright core surrounded by blue and golden hues

James Webb vs. Hubble: Advancements in Space Telescope Technology 

Dec 20, 2024 - Lou Farrell

The James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes are two of the most iconic instruments in astronomy. Each transform our understanding of the universe and knowing how they work can deepen our knowledge further.

Keck Telescope Views of Uranus

Facts About Uranus: The Heavenly Ice Giant

Nov 29, 2024 - Emily Newton

Uranus is one of the biggest gas giants that we’ve ever seen. Check out these facts about Uranus now.

Beyond the Stars: The Role of Plasma Physics in Astrophysics and Space Exploration

Nov 28, 2024 - Lou Farrell

Uncover how plasma physics drives discoveries in astrophysics and fuels innovations in space exploration. Plasma physics, central to both astrophysics and space exploration, offers profound insights into the universe’s mysteries and helps advance the technology…

photo of pluto

Picking Apart Pluto: Learn Facts About Pluto, the Former Ninth Planet

Nov 28, 2024 - Emily Newton

This exploration of the solar system involves Pluto, the former ninth planet. Check out these interesting facts about Pluto. Which ones did you know?

image of Neptune

Facts About Neptune: What Makes This Ice Giant Planet Unique?

Nov 26, 2024 - Emily Newton

What makes Neptune, the beautiful blue gas giant, so special? Check out these interesting facts about Neptune to learn more.

Get to Know the Gas Giant With These Gripping Facts About Jupiter

Nov 21, 2024 - Emily Newton

This massive gas giant is the first of the outer planets. Here are 1 interesting facts about Jupiter to know about this giant celestial being.

photo of saturn showing its rings

Ring Around the Ringed Planet: Facts About Saturn to Deepen Your Knowledge

Nov 18, 2024 - Emily Newton

Let’s look at the sixth planet in our solar system, Saturn. Here are ten interesting facts about Saturn. Learn more now!

Get Acquainted With the Red Planet Through These Facts About Mars

Nov 18, 2024 - Emily Newton

It’s the final inner planet and named after the Roman god of war. Here are some interesting facts about Mars. What fact surprised you?

Fly Closer to the Sun With These Facts About Mercury

Oct 23, 2024 - Emily Newton

What do you know about the planets in our solar system? Keep reading to learn interesting facts about Mercury, the closest planet to the sun.

interesting picture of planet Earth

The Blue Planet Exposed: 10 Facts About Earth That Will Blow Your Mind

Oct 23, 2024 - Emily Newton

We continue our journey across the solar system to discuss some interesting facts about Earth. What makes our own planet so interesting? Learn more now!

Earth’s Mysterious Neighbor: Unveiling 10 Intriguing Facts About Venus 

Oct 22, 2024 - Emily Newton

Our tour of the solar system continues with Venus. Here are some facts about Venus every budding astronomy enthusiast should know.

Not Just Gas: Exploring Jovian Planet Characteristics

Dec 14, 2022 - Emily Newton

Jupiter. Saturn. Uranus. Neptune. What Jovian planet characteristics set these gas giants apart in the solar system?