Dust storms are a regular feature on Mars, often building into planet-engulfing clouds that last months or years. MAVEN and Odyssey use thermal cameras to monitor these duststorms with precision. At first, a spring breeze blew rusty dust through NASA’s Opportunity rover at Perseverance Valley. But then it quickly expanded and blocked out the sun…
Astronomers have discovered a planet the size of Earth which orbits its host star within the habitable zone – meaning its surface could support liquid water life. Astronomers in search of alien life will take heart in this discovery, which indicates that rocky planets are far more widespread than previously assumed. Kepler-1649c Astronomers using data…
Mars, one of the inner planets of our Solar System, is often known as “the Red Planet” due to its distinct red hue and iron oxide coating. With two natural satellites or moons named Deimos and Phobos as natural satellites or moons circling it. Also dubbed as “the Fourth Planet”, its axis of rotation tilts…
When asked to name the planet closest to earth in size, most will cite Venus. That is because Venus is the smallest of the rocky planets and passes close by Earth every time it orbits our Sun. But Mercury is actually our closest neighbor in terms of size – continue reading to discover why. Mercury…
Since scientists started studying Mars, much has been learned about it. Robotic spacecraft have even orbited it and touched down on its surface. Mars is a smaller planet than Earth with lower mass, leading to reduced gravity forces and thus lower gravity forces on this world. Mass Mars, also known as “the Red Planet,” is…
People often wonder which planet in our Solar System is closest to Earth; however, the answer can change over time depending on where each planet sits in its orbital path. On average, Mercury overtakes Venus and Mars as our nearest planet neighbor; however, this order varies significantly over time. Venus Venus, our nearest planetary neighbor,…
Spacecraft images over five decades have revealed our planet’s history, climate and geology to us while inspiring artists. By the close of the 19th century, astronomers had amassed a vast library of written and painted depictions of Mars. These works could be considered works of astronomical realism. Paint by Numbers Paint by Numbers (PBN) is…
Scientists have long studied Mars by peering through telescopes, orbiting it with spacecraft and sending rovers onto its surface. Through their work they’ve discovered many similarities between our world and Mars’. Planet Venus shares similar dimensions, gravity and composition with Earth; yet has unique features of its own such as an oblate spheroid shape and…
Studies on human settlement on Mars have been ongoing since at least 1960; however, only recently has there been any realistic chance for such an endeavor to become reality. Travel to Mars poses numerous risks. Astronauts could experience bone loss as they remain immobile for long stretches. Life on Mars Mars’ surface is inhospitable to…
