Solar System

Satellite spots a 'hummingbird' in Antarctica | Space photo of the day for July 23, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 23 July 26

A hummingbird shape in satellite data from NISAR is actually a mountaintop spotted in Antarctica.

After nearly 30 years, NASA realized this near-Earth asteroid is actually a comet. The discovery may help us defend the planet some day

By Samantha Mathewson Published 22 July 26

Astronomers discovered that a near-Earth asteroid is actually a comet that could help scientists identify more hidden comets and improve planetary defense.

Our 1st-ever up-close look at the Martian surface | Space photo of the day for July 22, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 22 July 26

What might seem like a simple black-and-white picture of some rocks is actually the first photograph ever taken on the surface of Mars.

New timelapse video shows NASA's Psyche spacecraft zooming by Mars

By Sharmila Kuthunur Published 22 July 26

"We didn't anticipate big discoveries, given how extensively the planet has been studied, but we did complement Mars science with the data we collected through Psyche's unique perspective."

A massive crater was spotted on Google Earth. It could be a scar from an ancient meteorite impact

By Elizabeth Howell Published 21 July 26

While getting ready for a camping trip, an amateur astronomer spotted a possible crater. It appears to be a match, pending microscopic results.

50 years after Viking 1's historic Mars landing, NASA is looking to the Red Planet's skies

By Mike Wall Published 20 July 26

NASA's Viking 1 mission blazed a crucial trail with its Mars landing on July 20, 1976. Now, half a century later, that trail leads up into the Red Planet's skies.

Ancient sandstorm leaves behind wreckage on Mars | Space photo of the day for July 20, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 20 July 26

Remnants from Martian history stay scattered across the planet's surface.

Did Viking 1 find life on Mars 50 years ago? Here's why the debate continues

By Leonard David Published 20 July 26

Did Viking 1 find evidence of life on Mars? Fifty years after the NASA lander touched down, the jury is still out.

These 'metallic' dunes on Mars look like sci-fi. What are they really?

By Sharmila Kuthunur Published 17 July 26

New images from the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter have captured strange-looking waves on the Red Planet.