Articles by: Jason Major

Pluto Behaves More Like a Planet Than Thought

By Jason Major published 10 May 16

Surprisingly, Pluto is able to maintain a gravitational grasp on much of its atmosphere even as ions are being stripped away by the solar wind.

Cloudgate: Rumors Spread of Nitrogen Clouds on Pluto

By Jason Major published 7 March 16

It what could soon be called 'Cloudgate,' 'leaked' emails appear to discuss structures in Pluto’s already hazy atmosphere as clouds.

Earth's Aurora Erupts With Powerful X-Ray Display

By Jason Major published 29 January 16

Mars Orbiter Catches a Crater Full of Cracks

By Jason Major published 1 January 16

In a decidedly wintry-looking scene, frost-filled fractures fills a crater near the north pole of Mars -- as observed by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

All Hail Mimas: Our 'Death Star' Moon

By Jason Major published 18 December 15

It's not in a galaxy far, far away or even another star system — this alien world is right in our planetary backyard, a mere 900 million miles away in orbit around Saturn.

Saved Japanese Probe Gets Final Chance to Orbit Venus

By Jason Major published 1 December 15

A Japanese spacecraft, which failed to make it into Venus orbit in 2010, is making a return trip to the planet after being stuck in solar orbit and engineers are hopeful it will complete its mission.

XMM-Newton Image of the Milky Way Galaxy's Center

Our Galaxy's Heart Glows in Psychedelic X-Ray Light

By Jason Major published 31 August 15

Europe's XMM-Newton telescope took an X-ray scan of the Milky Way's core, capturing some dazzling high-energy delights.

Enormous Red Sprites Seen From Space (Update)

By Jason Major published 18 August 15

In TWO stunning orbital photos, a thunderstorm over Mexico generated two huge, red sprites reaching into space.Ω

Color-Composite Image of Saturn's Moon Hyperion.

Cassini Spacecraft Sees Final, Stunning View of Saturn Moon Hyperion

By Jason Major published 2 June 15

On Sunday, May 31, 2015, NASA's Cassini spacecraft successfully made its latest and final flyby of Hyperion, Saturn's spongy moon. And the view was amazing.

Cassini Spacecraft Sees Saturn Moon Rhea in Eye-Popping Color

By Jason Major published 2 April 15

You're not seeing double; these are two images of the same world: icy, cratered Rhea, the second-largest natural satellite of Saturn.

Venus Express to Flame Out in Blaze of Glory

By Jason Major published 17 December 14

Already running on fumes as its fuel reserves dwindled, Venus Express' most recent attempts at maintaining its altitude fell short.

Europe's Venus Express Spacecraft Survives Daring Atmospheric Dive

By Jason Major published 16 July 14

The European spacecraft has completed a risky aerobreaking maneuver in Venus' atmosphere, allowing critical data of the planet's atmosphere to be taken.