Planet Party Busted by Triton
November 16, 2017
Theories can be like parties with tantalizing speculations until big, whopping anomalies spoil the fun.
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Activity on Planets Suggests Youth
November 11, 2016
Can these processes really have gone on for billions of years?
Hope, Not Evidence, Drives Astrobiology
August 25, 2016
Earth-size exoplanets are not evidence for alien life. They are evidence for orbiting bodies.
Juno How Old the Solar System Is?
July 6, 2016
Everyone knows the solar system is 4.5 billion years old. Everyone, that is, except Nature herself.
Only Earth Is a Life Haven
June 23, 2016
Here are more discoveries that make it reasonable to think complex life is rare in the universe, and might be unique to Earth.
Magnetic News
August 3, 2015
Magnetism is an important force in astronomy, planetary science and life. Here are news items involving magnets and magnetic fields.
You Wouldn't Want to Live on "Earth's Cousin"
July 24, 2015
Despite the hype about another Earth-like exoplanet, Kepler 452b would not be as habitable as Venus.
Fire and Brimstone: Why Earth Isn't Like Venus
June 28, 2015
Both planets have abundant sulfur, but Earth life has a way of cycling it for good.
Moon, Mercury, and Magnetic Fields
May 8, 2015
After the crash of MESSENGER, magnetic fields in the solar system have become a key topic for planetary science.
Solar System Reversals
February 9, 2015
The planets keep going around, but theories about them often stop and go backward or sideways. When nothing else works, send in the impactors!
Astrobiology Hopes Diminish
December 6, 2014
Recent findings both near and far create challenges for beliefs that life is common in the universe.
Saturn Rescues Earth: Outer Planet Wonders
November 22, 2014
How Saturn saved the Earth, and other news from the ringed planet, its family, and other bodies in the outer solar system.
Comet Lander Working, But Not Optimal
November 13, 2014
Rosetta's Philae lander hopped twice before landing in the shade in a tilted position, but the instruments are working.
Lunar Impact: Major Moon Basin Was Not a Big Hit
October 8, 2014
The theory of how the largest impact basin on the moon was formed has been turned upside down.
Of Planets and People
September 29, 2014
Here's a quick tour of the planets to see what's newsworthy.