Solar System

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composite image showing a vast desert landscape covered in dark green flora and an inset image showing a small pink wildflower with antennas in the background.
Satellites spy rare explosion of color in Australian desert | Space photo of the day for Sept. 24, 2026

By Daisy Dobrijevic Published

A spectacular wildflower bloom has transformed parts of Western Australia's normally arid landscape following months of unusually wet weather.

Earth
'Mars constantly throws surprises at you': Perseverance rover finds evidence of ancient hot water in Red Planet crater

By Samantha Mathewson Published

NASA's Perseverance rover uncovered evidence of water interacting with rocks in Mars' Jezero Crater multiple times, including a period of hot groundwater activity.

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Mars
A NASA graphic showcasing the phases of the moon.
What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2026

By Tariq Malik, Daisy Dobrijevic Last updated

Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2026.

Reference
a man with curly, long hair sings into a microphone
Astronomers just named an asteroid after 'Weird Al' Yankovic

By Elizabeth Howell Published

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) recently approved naming an asteroid after musician and actor 'Weird' Al Yankovic.

Asteroids
a map of earth, flattened into an oval
Earth is getting a new map — but it's impossible to draw planets accurately. Here's why

By Meghan Bartels Published

Earth is getting a new world map that more accurately depicts how much land countries contain — but surprisingly similar issues plague interplanetary mapmakers, too.

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Earth
A black and white overhead view of the crater. It really looks like something smashed into it, creating streaks of material flowing outward.
A giant new crater on the moon | Space photo of the day for Sept. 21, 2026

By Monisha Ravisetti Published

McGetchin crater formed some time in 2024 and is as wide as two football fields.

The moon
A NASA spacecraft just found a giant new crater on the moon. Here's why everyone's talking about the 'once-in-a-century' discovery

By Samantha Mathewson Published

"McGetchin crater is exceptional because it is the largest newly formed impact crater that has been identified to date."

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The moon
Mars settlers may live in houses made of yeast and gelatin

By Kiona N. Smith Published

"You can probably easily build a multistory building on Mars with the material."

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Mars
Space weather caused a 16-minute train delay in 1848: 'Our research has a hint of a detective story'

By Keith Cooper Published

A storm sent a surge of current through telegraph wires that caused a train on one of Britain's early railway lines to be delayed by 16 minutes.

The Sun
Astronauts could make rocket fuel out of the carbon-dioxide atmosphere on Mars in order to fly home.
Making rocket fuel out of Mars' thin air: New breakthrough could make it happen

By Keith Cooper Published

By making fuel on the Red Planet rather than bringing it from Earth, a Mars mission could save vital mass.

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Mars
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