Solar System

Latest about Solar System

(Left) the ringed gas giant Saturn (Right) Jupiter as seen by Hubble with a glowing polar vortex

Mysterious polar weather on Jupiter and Saturn could be key to understanding their insides

By Robert Lea published

"I don't think anyone's made this connection between the surface fluid pattern and the interior properties of these planets."

Solar System

Earth was just hit by the strongest solar radiation storm in over 20 years — here's what it means

By Daisy Dobrijevic published

Earth just experienced a rare S4 solar radiation storm, the most intense since 2003 — powerful for satellites and astronauts, but harmless on the ground.

The Sun
A section of Mars’s surface showing a broad area covered with dense, elongated ridges and grooves that fan out diagonally across the image. The terrain is rough and textured in this region, contrasting with the smoother, lighter-coloured surrounding plains. The overall colour is a mix of tan and reddish-brown tones.

Mars orbiter sees odd etchings in the sand | Space photo of the day for Jan. 20, 2025

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

Even though the Red Planet's atmosphere is thin, wind is still one of Mars' most relentless sculptors.

Mars

Comet Wierzchos buzzes the sun later today: But can you see it?

By Anthony Wood published

C/2024 E1 (Wierzchos) brightened significantly ahead of its close approach to the sun.

Comets

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

Sun unleashes powerful X-flare, CME hits Earth sparking severe geomagnetic storm

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Aurora alert! The colossal solar storm could impact and trigger impressive northern lights.

The Sun

Was the Red Planet once blue? New evidence points to an ancient ocean on Mars

By Charles Q. Choi published

Ancient shoreline features hint that water on Mars once formed a vast ocean.

Mars
A close up of Jupiter's surface in space where clouds of blue and gray swirl.

Jupiter has more oxygen than the sun, new simulations reveal

By Samantha Mathewson published

Jupiter harbors more oxygen than the sun, a new study finds, giving astronomers a crucial clue about how our solar system's planets formed.

Jupiter
Artist’s illustration of NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which is investigating how, why and when Mars lost most of its atmosphere.

After a month of no answer, NASA will try hailing its silent MAVEN Mars orbiter today

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

MAVEN was built to last in orbit until 2030 — that's not looking likely anymore.

Mars
A laptop is shown displaying an image of a comet against a dark sky dotted with background stars blurred by their subtle motion through the sky. The laptop is set against a starry deep-space background complete with red nebula clouds.

Say goodbye to Comet 3I/ATLAS! Watch it head for interstellar space in real-time with this free livestream today

By Anthony Wood published

3I/ATLAS is heading away from the sun on an escape trajectory from our solar system.

Comets
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