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The Solar System
In the Solar System Channel, you can explore the planets and celestial objects around our own sun. Learn about topics such as Mars, Jupiter and the Moon.
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How to See the Spectacular Geminid Meteor Shower
Prepare to be dazzled!
Leonid Meteor Shower: What You Need to Know
The annual Leonid meteor shower is back, and peaks in the early-morning hours of November 18. It's made up of tiny bits of debris from the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Here's how to see it.
The Orionid Meteor Shower Is Back — Here's What You Need to Know
Every autumn, Earth passes through a stream of debris left by Halley's comet, resulting in nighttime meteor showers in mid-October. Best time this year is Oct. 21-22.
Venus: Earth's Blazing-hot and Bizarre Twin
The atmospheric pressure is crushingly extreme on Venus, and lead would melt into a puddle on its surface. But as hellish as this place sounds, it actually has a lot in common with Earth.
Jupiter: Anatomy of a Gas Giant
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. Big as it is though, next to the sun, Jupiter looks puny.
Is Planet Nine Actually a Primordial Black Hole?
As the search for Planet Nine wears on, and astronomers have yet to get so much as a glimpse of it, researchers are pondering what else the object might be.
Confirmed: Comet Borisov Is Another Interstellar Visitor
The galaxy has sent another tumbling chunk of frozen interstellar material our way.
It's Only a Rolling Rock on Mars (But I Like It)
NASA just named a rolling rock on Mars after — who else — the Rolling Stones.
Ploonets: When Moons Become Planets
Did you know that a moon can leave its orbit around a large planet and go out on its own?
Rare Asteroid Discovered With Fastest Orbit Around the Sun
Researchers at the Zwicky Transient Facility have found an asteroid in Earth's orbit. And this one has the shortest year yet.
Why Does Jupiter Have 79 Moons When Earth Just Has One?
Scientists recently found 12 more moons revolving around Jupiter, bringing its total to 79. Why does Jupiter have so many darn moons? Is there any advantage to that?
Why Are Planets Almost Spherical?
Why not cylindrical? Or even cube-shaped?
Worm, Strawberry, Blue: Every Full Moon Has a Name
Everyone's heard of the blue moon and the harvest moon, but did you know every full moon of the year has a name? What are the names and when do the moons occur?
Want to Find Past Life on Mars? Dive Deep Into Earth First
The mysterious microbes living more than half a mile beneath the deepest ocean floors could have something to teach us about Martian life.
The Truth Behind the Rogue Planet Nibiru
The idea of planet Nibiru has captivated doomsday prophets and conspiracy theorists for decades, but nobody has proven its existence. What's the deal?
NASA's InSight Mission Detects Its First Marsquake
The wait is over. NASA confirms Mars is seismically active.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower Is Back — Here's What You Need to Know
Every April, the Lyrid meteor shower fills the sky with 'shooting stars.' Here's how to see them.
The Superb Moon Quiz
In the darkness of space, we’re comforted by our moon, the circular inspirer of song lyrics, poetry, and wannabe astronauts. But what do you really know about the moon and its history? Take this quiz to find out.
Hunting for Martians in the Most Extreme Desert on Earth
Rovers are getting some practice hunting for microbes here on Earth before they head to Mars in 2020.
Saturn's Rings Will Exist for Just a Blip in Time
No worries though. Jupiter, Neptune or Uranus could create their own beautiful, bright ring display in the distant future.
Does the Sun Rotate?
Like Earth, the sun does rotate, but in a different way.
After the Sun Dies, It'll Become a Stellar Crystal
Those stars twinkling in the nighttime sky may actually be crystal spheres. And our beloved star is headed in that direction, too. Eventually.
Chinese Spacecraft Lands on the Far Side of the Moon
The China National Space Administration makes history — and shows the world the dark side of the moon.
This Is a First: An Image of the Sun's North Pole
The image, which was created by the European Space Agency, shows the blazing hot orb's northern-most region for the very first time. Pretty cool stuff.
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