Solar System

SpaceX rocket's impact crater on the moon spied by Korean lunar orbiter (photos)

By Mike Wall Published 6 August 26

South Korea's Danuri lunar orbiter has spied the crater that a SpaceX rocket blasted out when it slammed into the moon on Wednesday morning (Aug. 5).

Rocket-peppered moon: A brief history of impacts, from Luna 2 to SpaceX's upper stage

By Robert Z. Pearlman Published 6 August 26

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket upper stage that collided with the moon on Wednesday (Aug. 5), was just the latest in a line of energetic lunar touchdowns.

A SpaceX rocket just crashed into the moon. Now, the race is on to get a look at the impact site

By Chelsea Gohd Published 5 August 26

Early this morning, a SpaceX rocket slammed into the moon at seven times the speed of sound. Now, lunar orbiters are trying to get a look at the aftermath.

Curiosity rover spots mysterious honeycombs on Mars | Space photo of the day for Aug. 5, 2026

By Brett Tingley Published 5 August 26

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover spotted surprising honeycomb-like shapes in the Red Planet soil while exploring a large valley.

Mars dust is toxic. How will future astronauts deal with it?

By Leonard David Published 5 August 26

Mars dust is known to contain various carcinogens, such as silica and numerous heavy metals. How will future astronauts mitigate the health risks?

A 9,000-pound SpaceX rocket will crash into the moon tonight. Will you be able to see it?

By Samantha Mathewson Published 4 August 26

While the impact itself probably won't be visible from Earth, observers may have a chance to spot a plume of debris rising above the lunar surface.

ISS astronaut spies a swirling super storm | Space photo of the day for Aug. 4, 2026

By Brett Tingley Published 4 August 26

From the International Space Station on Aug. 2, 2026, NASA astronaut Anil Menon captured an incredible photograph of a swirling typhoon in the Pacific Ocean.

'Significant areas of Mars may have once been covered by water': Scientists find hidden clue in Spirit rover data

By Samantha Mathewson Published 4 August 26

A new analysis of NASA's Spirit rover data reveals overlooked traces of crystalline hematite and altered magnetite.

A SpaceX rocket will crash into the moon this week. Why is it on a collision course?

By Mike Wall Published 3 August 26

The upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will slam into the moon early Wednesday morning (Aug. 5). Here's what put it on this kamikaze course.