Latest articles by Leslie Mullen
Rover Drills Deep Into Chilean Desert to Aid Mars Life Hunt
A prototype Mars rover named Zoe recently drove, drilled and performed experiments autonomously in the Atacama to test out gear for future Red Planet missions.
Alien Planets Could Shed Light on Earth's Climate Future
Scientists are studying other rocky planets and moons to better understand Earth.
Famous Mars Meteorite's 'Fossils': What Arctic Rocks Can Tell Us
Scientist Hans Amundsen explains what Arctic rocks can tell us about a famous Mars meteorite.
How NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Could Spot Earth-like Planets
The ambitious successor to the Hubble telescope may break new barriers in the search for life.
In Hunt for Alien Planets, Frustration Lingers Over Canceled Missions
Planet-hunting astronomer Geoff Marcy is angry about exoplanet missions that were canceled or abandoned.
Seeking Life's Imprint in Morocco's Desert Sands
Morocco's desert sands provide a look at life's history on Earth … and maybe Mars, too.
Want to Test Mars Robot Tools? Go to Morocco
Analog trials like this will help prepare scientists and their gear for real missions to the Red Planet.
Religion & Astronomy: From Galileo to Aliens
One of the most famous examples of the clash between religion and science is the trial of Galileo Galilei.
Reverence for the Heavens: How Astronomy and Religion Intersect
For some, the contemplation of the cosmos is a religious experience.
Doubt Cast on Existence of Potentially Habitable Planet Gliese 581g
Doubts have been raised over whether the newfound possible alien planet Gliese 581g actually exists.
Ancient Meteorite Impact Shattered Santa Fe
In the mountains of New Mexico, scientists have found evidence for an ancient meteorite strike -- even though the impact crater is long gone.
Future Space Explorers Could Be Humans 2.0
Who should explore space: robots or humans? Cyborg technology could allow humans to make greater strides into the final frontier.
Cyborg Astronaut Space Race Heats Up
Who should explore space: robots or humans? Cyborg technology could allow humans to make greater strides into the final frontier.
Sun's Nemesis Pelted Earth with Comets, Study Suggests
Is our Sun part of a binary star system? Some have suggested an unseen companion star, nicknamed "Nemesis," is sending comets towards Earth.
'Toy Universe' Could Solve Life's Origins
The power of computer processing could one day solve the riddle of life’s origin.
Move On to Mars
When will humans visit Mars? Charles Cockell, a microbiologist who studies life in extreme environments, believes we have the necessary technology to go today if we really wanted to.
The Enduring Mystery of Life's Origin
Some astrobiologists think life may have arrived at Earth on a comet or meteorite.
NASA Mission Could Find Life on Europa
Proposal is to visit two of Jupiter’s large moons, Ganymede and Europa.
