Solar System: News
Astronomers detect 'Pyrene,' a key molecule for life, in space
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have unearthed one of the largest carbon-based molecules ever found in deep space.
World's largest camera, with 3,200MP resolution, ready for astronomical exploration
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory on Cerro Pachon in northern Chile is poised to transform astronomy with its world's largest digital camera.
This trash compactor would tackle the biggest problem in space
Sierra Space, a leading space technology company, is all set to send a unique trash compactor to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026.
China outlines space exploration goals for next 3 decades
China has unveiled an ambitious national-level space exploration plan, covering the period from now to 2050.
Sun officially enters its 'solar maximum period': What it means
The sun has officially entered its "solar maximum period," a phase in the 11-year solar cycle characterized by increased sunspots and solar activity.
NASA's $5.2B probe begins journey to Jupiter's icy moon Europa
NASA has successfully launched a $5.2 billion probe, the Europa Clipper, on a 1.8 billion mile journey to Jupiter and its icy moon Europa.
Earth may have 'stolen' its Moon, new research suggests
The unique mass ratio between Earth and its single moon has long intrigued scientists, as it differs from other planets in our solar system that either have multiple moons or none at all.
'Sub-Earth' exoplanet discovered around nearest single star to solar system
Astronomers have discovering a planet that orbits Barnard's star, the closest single star to our solar system.
Passing comet turns Bengaluru skies pink, green, and yellow
Bengaluru's skyline has turned into a stunning canvas of pink, green, and yellow colors thanks to a passing comet.
Why NASA is developing a time zone for Moon
NASA is moving ahead with its plan to introduce a standard time zone on the Moon, called Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC).
Supernova radiation may have triggered species diversification on Earth: Study
A recent study led by Caitlyn Nojiri from UC Santa Cruz and published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, points to a mind-blowing possibility: a supernova explosion nearby might have really shaken things up for life on Earth.
New theory challenges existence of unseen Planet Nine
The existence of the hypothetical Planet Nine, believed to be lurking on the fringes of our solar system, is being questioned by new astrophysical research.
NASA approves mission to explore world 'potentially habitable today'
NASA's ambitious Europa Clipper mission is set to launch in October, following a successful review of the spacecraft.
NASA's quantum sensor measures ISS vibrations in a first
NASA's Cold Atom Lab (CAL) has achieved a significant breakthrough by using an ultra-cool quantum sensor to measure the subtle vibrations of the International Space Station (ISS).
Jupiter-bound spacecraft to attempt daring double flyby this week
The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for one of the most daring operations ever undertaken in interplanetary flight.
New discovery challenges everything we thought about Earth's twin
A recent study led by geoscientist Fabio Capitanio of Monash University in Australia, has revealed that the 'continents' of Venus, known as tesserae, might have been formed through processes similar to those that created Earth's earliest continents billions of years ago.
NASA shares skywatching tips for top celestial events this August
NASA has released its list of must-see celestial events for August 2024.
Research finds a mysterious hidden ocean within the Solar System
Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest a potential subsurface ocean on Ariel, one of Uranus' five moons.
China's new space network will improve astronaut communication, lunar navigation
China has proposed a blueprint for a communication superhighway that would link Earth and the Moon.
How Sun starting next solar cycle before schedule impacts Earth
In an unexpected development, scientists have observed the Sun initiating its next solar cycle, Cycle 26, before completing the current one, Cycle 25.
Scientists propose new definition of planets, Pluto still remains excluded
Planetary scientists are challenging the International Astronomical Union's 2006 definition of a planet.
Earth doesn't 'directly' revolve around Sun: What does it mean?
Contrary to popular belief, Earth does not orbit the Sun directly. Instead, it revolves around a point in space known as a barycentre, which is typically near but not within the Sun.
Why Uranus's magnetic field is causing 'traffic jams' in space
Scientists studying data from the Voyager 2 spacecraft, have discovered that the uniquely tilted and asymmetric magnetic field of Uranus, is causing 'traffic jams' of particles within its radiation belts.
Scientists discover our solar system used to have donut shape
Scientists have unearthed evidence suggesting that the solar system was once more donut-shaped than pancake-like.
This unique tanning salon simulates alien suns on Earth
A one-of-a-kind tanning salon, providing a simulated experience of alien suns, has been unveiled at the Festival of the Future in Munich, Germany.
Jupiter's unexplained nighttime glow sparks dark matter theory
Scientists have long been intrigued by the enigmatic nature of dark matter, a substance believed to constitute approximately 70 to 80% of all mass in the universe.
Surprising finding in asteroid Bennu's sample hints at oceanic origin
An analysis of the asteroid Bennu sample, returned by OSIRIS-REx mission in September 2023, has revealed surprising findings.
China's Chang'e-6 successfully lands with samples from Moon's far side
China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft has successfully returned to Earth today after a nearly two-month-long space journey.
NASA issues alert about plane-sized asteroid approaching Earth today
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has issued a public alert about an asteroid, named 2024 KN1, set to make its closest approach to Earth today.
Are we alone? NASA estimates trillions of Earth-like planets
NASA scientists have made a remarkable revelation, estimating that at least a trillion Earth-like planets in the universe could potentially support life.
Ancient meteorite sample reveals secrets of early solar system
An international team of scientists has uncovered evidence of the early solar system within an ancient meteorite that landed on Earth.
Did a mysterious interstellar cloud cause Earth's ice age?
Roughly two million years ago, Earth may have lost its protection from the Sun, as the solar system traversed a dense cloud of dust and gas between stars.
Go for a stargazing adventure to Sahara Sky Observatory, Morocco
The Sahara Sky Observatory, situated in Morocco's expansive desert, provides a prime location for stargazing.
Earth could be swallowed up by Sun, warns new study
A new research suggests a dramatic end awaits our solar system as the Sun exhausts its energy reserves.
Top 5 discoveries about the Sun in 2023
The Sun has been the center of attention in 2023, with several groundbreaking discoveries about the most powerful body in the solar system.
How NASA aims to study solar system's cosmic shield
NASA is working on a new mission that will provide insights into the protective magnetic bubble surrounding our solar system, called the heliosphere. This layer acts as a shield that protects the planets from interstellar radiation.
NASA's streaming service launches this week: Check what it'll offer
NASA is launching a new streaming channel, NASA+, on November 8.
November 2023 skywatching guide: Celestial events to look out for
This November, the night sky offers a variety of celestial events for stargazers to enjoy, ranging from meteor showers to breathtaking views of Jupiter and the Beaver Moon.
NASA is sending a probe to Saturn's largest moon
NASA is gearing up for an unprecedented exploration of Saturn's largest moon Titan with the launch of the Dragonfly mission, set for 2027.
OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample offers clues to solar system's origins
NASA has revealed an exciting sample from near-Earth asteroid Bennu, which could act as a time capsule from our solar system's early days.