Solar System

Latest about Solar System

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

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 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
A close up of Earth in the darkness of space with a white shape in the middle of its oceans and clouds.

Beneath the ice: Satellites help map Antarctica's subglacial surface like never before

By Stefanie Waldek published

Antarctica's subglacial bedrock was previously one of the least-mapped planetary surfaces in our solar system.

Earth
A photo of Earth (left) and Mars (right) against a dark background. Earth is bigger and white clouds float among blue oceans while Mars as a few white clouds dotting its reddish brownish surface

How Mars 'punches above its weight' to influence Earth's climate

By Keith Cooper published

"Without Mars, Earth's orbit would be missing major climate cycles. What would humans and other animals even look like if Mars weren't there?"

Mars
A brown landscape is scarred dark red as streaks of orange flames are seen around the edges of the dark area with streams of smoke moving toward the bottom of the image

Satellites spy raging bushfires in Australia | Space photo of the day for Jan. 15, 2026

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

The image shows just how large and devastating these events can be.

Earth
Perihelion is when there is the shortest distance between Earth and the sun.

Perihelion: What is it and when does it occur?

By Tereza Pultarova last updated

Reference Perihelion is the point at which an orbiting body is closest to the sun. The word comes from Greek and literally means around (peri) the sun (helios).

Reference
A computer modeled image of a red crater filled with blue-gray water.

How Mars' ancient lakes grew shields of ice to stay warm as the Red Planet froze

By Keith Cooper published

The findings potentially solve the paradox of how liquid water seems to have persisted on Mars even when the climate grew too cold.

Mars
A series of snow-covered mountain peaks jut out against a white landscape in an image seen from space

Satellite sees snowy Greenland peaks from space | Space photo of the day for Jan. 14, 2026

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

Greenland's mountains greatly affect local climate patterns.

Earth
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