Solar System

A massive crater was spotted on Google Earth. It could be a scar from an ancient meteorite impact

By Elizabeth Howell Published 21 July 26

While getting ready for a camping trip, an amateur astronomer spotted a possible crater. It appears to be a match, pending microscopic results.

50 years after Viking 1's historic Mars landing, NASA is looking to the Red Planet's skies

By Mike Wall Published 20 July 26

NASA's Viking 1 mission blazed a crucial trail with its Mars landing on July 20, 1976. Now, half a century later, that trail leads up into the Red Planet's skies.

Ancient sandstorm leaves behind wreckage on Mars | Space photo of the day for July 20, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 20 July 26

Remnants from Martian history stay scattered across the planet's surface.

Did Viking 1 find life on Mars 50 years ago? Here's why the debate continues

By Leonard David Published 20 July 26

Did Viking 1 find evidence of life on Mars? Fifty years after the NASA lander touched down, the jury is still out.

These 'metallic' dunes on Mars look like sci-fi. What are they really?

By Sharmila Kuthunur Published 17 July 26

New images from the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter have captured strange-looking waves on the Red Planet.

Smoke from devastating Canada wildfires visible from space | Space photo of the day for July 17, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 17 July 26

Satellites have captured images of the billowing smoke.

Are we underestimating the threat of solar storms? A 'once-in-a-thousand-year' disaster is worth considering, scientists say

By Samantha Mathewson Published 17 July 26

A new study suggests the most extreme solar storms to strike Earth could have greater impacts on satellites, power grids and communications than previously thought.

Astronomers discover landslides on Pluto large enough to bury entire cities on Earth

By Keith Cooper Published 16 July 26

Evidence for landslides down steep crater walls on Pluto have been found in imagery from NASA's New Horizons mission.

Glaciers spotted flowing across the Himalayas from space | Space photo of the day for July 15, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd Published 15 July 26

Glacial ice carves its way downhill.