solar system

Discover more about the solar system by exploring our corner of the known universe. Here you’ll journey to all the planets in our solar system, learn about moons and find out more about our sun.

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

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

What Does the Life Cycle of a Star Look Like?

Here's a closer look at the life cycle of a star, and how the size and mass of one of these stellar bodies affect its existence.

More Than Spirals: Facts About Elliptical Galaxies

Spiral galaxies aren't the only ones out there in the night sky. Here is an exploration of some intriguing facts about elliptical galaxies.

A Little Strange: Facts About Irregular Galaxies

What happens if a galaxy isn't spiral, barred spiral or elliptical? Let's explore facts about irregular galaxies.

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

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

an artistic interpretation of Earth viewed from space

Exploring the Characteristics of Terrestrial Planets

Exploring the characteristics of terrestrial planets may not seem as exciting as you think, but wait until you find out that there's a whole lot in store for you to marvel over.

Unlocking New Knowledge: Facts About the Milky Way and Recent Developments

Check out these facts about the Milky Way to get reminders of things you might have learned before, plus information about recent discoveries.

25 Solar System Facts: The Ultimate Guide to Our Solar System

Let's take a look at our closest stellar neighbors. Here are some fantastic solar system facts that you might not have known.

Facts About Uranus: The Heavenly Ice Giant

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

Get Acquainted With the Red Planet Through These Facts About Mars

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?

Space documentaries cover topics from terrestrial life to interstellar travel.

7 Fascinating Space Documentaries to Watch Today

Looking for something new and intriguing to watch? Here are seven awesome space documentaries to check out today.

Saturn’s Moons: An Oasis in the Outer Solar System

From lakes of liquid methane to alien ocean life, Saturn is an oasis in the outer reaches of our solar system, with incredible discoveries waiting to be found!

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

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.

a spiral galaxy is one of the many types of galaxies

How Many Types of Galaxies are There?

There are more than two trillion galaxies in the known universe. To classify types of galaxies, scientists use a few different approaches.

More Than Stars in the Sky: Exploring Types of Planets

Not everything twinkling in the night sky is a star. Let's explore the different types of planets and where we might find them.

The Jovian Planets: When Will We Visit the Outer Solar System?

Here’s a look into the future, at what a mission to the moons of Jupiter or Saturn might look like.

rocket launch happens after a wet dress rehearsal

Why is a Wet Dress Rehearsal Important Before Launch?

Before the uncrewed Artemis 1 mission can even head toward the stars, the first step is a wet dress rehearsal. What is this and why is it crucial before a launch?

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

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

Fly Closer to the Sun With These Facts About Mercury

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.

Should We Terraform Mars?

So why is NASA so excited to get to Mars? And is there anything we can do to make it easier for humans to live and breathe on Mars?

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

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

Making Up the Universe: What Are Cosmic Objects?

There is so much more to the universe than what meets the eye. Explore some of the objects that make up our universe, from stars to distant galaxies and black holes.

The Coolest Planetary Moons in Our Solar System

Ice volcanoes, ocean life, and methane rain: from Luna to Titan, these are the most exciting moons in our solar system!

It Looks Like Home: Facts About Barred Spiral Galaxies

The Milky Way Galaxy is the one we call home, but what is it? Let's explore facts about barred spiral galaxies.

10 Reasons Why Space Exploration is Inspiring

Here are 10 of the many missions that have helped inspire further space exploration & contribute to our ever-growing wonder & appreciation for the universe.

Building a Space Shuttle: Did You Know It Can Take Years?

Building a space shuttle is a huge feat. What does it take? What challenges do individuals and commercial companies face with this knowledge?

What Happens to Astronauts When They’re Stuck in Space?

Two astronauts got stuck in space after a Boeing spacecraft malfunctioned. Their mission was supposed to last just eight days—but will likely take at least ten months. Headline-worthy stories like these seem rare. However, they are relatively common. What happens in situations like this? Does the International Space Station (ISS) have enough supplies for unexpected…

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

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!

Exploring the Mysteries of the Kuiper Belt

The Kuiper Belt could reveal the story of our solar system’s formation billions of years ago. Here's what awaits at the edge of deep space.

More Than One Sun: Exploring Binary Stars

Our home solar system only has one star, but that isn't the case for the rest of the universe. What are binary stars?

Facts About Nebulae: More Than Just a Dust Cloud

The universe is full of unique and beautiful things that we're just beginning to understand. Come explore some fact about nebulae.

Jupiter’s Moons: The Most Exciting Corner of the Solar System

Jupiter's moons are among the largest and most unique moons in the solar system -- and they might even harbor alien life!

Not Just Gas: Exploring Jovian Planet Characteristics

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

Stellar Classification: Do You Know the Different Classes of Stars?

Did you know that there are different types of stars in the night sky? Keep reading to learn about stellar classification and what their differences mean.

Dark Matter: The Universe We Can’t See

To this day, no scientific instrument have yet detected the existence of dark matter particles. But lo and behold, there is evidence that indicates it is real!

Spinning in the Black: Facts About Spiral Galaxies

The Milky Way Galaxy — the one we call home — is a type of spiral galaxy. Let's explore some facts about spiral galaxies!

How to Become an Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know

If you're wondering how to become an astronaut, a bachelor’s degree is only the minimum requirement. It takes years of training to become an astronaut.

The Known Universe: What Do We Know So Far?

We know that space is big, but exactly how big is it? There's a lot of space out there in the known universe—what do we know so far?

black and white photo of spacecraft in front of crowd

Will Space Tourism Be a Consideration for Your Next Vacation?

In the past, people never expected airplanes to become an accessible form of leisure travel. Could this mindset be changing for the modern age? Will you be able to buy a ticket for a rocket ship like you can a plane? Utterings of up-and-coming space tourism might be the next investment for luxury thrill seekers.…

Extraterrestrial Objects: What Do We Really Know?

Extraterrestrial objects may not be what you think. From exoplanets to ocean moons, the universe could be full of alien life.

Everything You Need to Know About the Asteroid Belt

Beyond Mars, but before you reach Jupiter, is a belt made up of asteroids.What do we know about this asteroid belt? Learn more now!

The Complete Guide to the Terrestrial Planets

From scorching Venus to the deserts of Mars, this is your guide to our solar system's terrestrial planets.

What Made the Spitzer Space Telescope Unique?

Telescopes help researchers learn about the universe. Spitzer Space Telescope could see infrared radiation. What legacy did Spitzer leave? Learn more now!

A Flash in the Night Sky: Exploring Types of Supernovae

Stars might seem eternal but when they reach the end of their life, they go out without a bang. What are the different types of supernovae?

After the Supernova: Facts About Neutron Stars

Ever wonder what happens to a star after it dies? Let's explore more about that and exciting facts about neutron stars.

Catacylismic Variable Stars: An Introduction

Cataclysmic variable stars are unique binary systems that feature one star donating mass to another.

Space

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.

Physics

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…

Space

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?

Space

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.

Space

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.

Space

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!

Space

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?

Space

25 Solar System Facts: The Ultimate Guide to Our Solar System

Oct 29, 2024 - Emily Newton

Let’s take a look at our closest stellar neighbors. Here are some fantastic solar system facts that you might not have known.

Space

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!