Planets

Planets

Let’s learn about exoplanets

Exoplanets are planets outside of our solar system. Scientists are finding out more about them than ever before.

Space

Developing planet emerges in a swirl of gas

Images of a young star 520 light-years away show a spiral of gas and dust swirling around it. A twist inside the spiral appears to be a planet forming.

Tech

Wiggly wheels might help rovers plow through loose lunar soils

New design lets wheels ascend hills too steep for regular robots and paddle through loose soils without getting stuck.

Planets

Planets with hydrogen skies could harbor life

Microbes can live in a hydrogen atmosphere. This points to new space worlds that host alien life.

Planets

Let’s learn about Jupiter

This gas giant is home to a massive storm that has lasted hundreds of years. It’s also surrounded by dozens of moons.

Earth

Weight lifting is this planetary scientist’s pastime

Beck Strauss uses magnetic fields to explore the makeup of Earth and other planets.

Space

Scientists Say: Gas giant

These gargantuan planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, are mostly made up of hydrogen and helium gas.

Planets

Glass beads help scientists puzzle out how baby planets grow

Researchers have mimicked the first stages of planet formation in the lab. All they needed were glass beads and a catapult.

Planets

Astronomers spot new type of storm on Saturn

These storms are bigger and longer lasting than squalls but not nearly as massive as this planet's Great White Spots.

Planets

Saturn now reigns as the solar system’s ‘moon king’

Saturn now boasts at least 82 moons, surpassing Jupiter’s 79 natural satellites.

Planets

Does the moon influence people?

Unless you believe in werewolves (and you shouldn’t), there are few compelling data to suggest the moon has a big effect on people.

Planets

Spotted: An exoplanet where it might rain

A planet outside the solar system appears to have clouds with liquid water.