Nasa's Psyche mission is set for launch – here's how it could unveil the interior secrets of planets

The asteroid is interesting from a scientific perspective as well as a commercial one.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Oct. 12, 2023 • ~6 min

Astronomers have learned lots about the universe − but how do they study astronomical objects too distant to visit?

Controlled experiments are impossible in astronomy, as are direct measurements of physical properties of objects outside our solar system. So how do astronomers know so much about them?

Luke Keller, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Ithaca College • conversation
Oct. 12, 2023 • ~7 min

NASA's Psyche mission to a metal world may reveal the mysteries of Earth's interior

Liftoff to the distant asteroid is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2023 – the beginning of a six-year journey to one of the most unusual objects in the solar system.

Jim Bell, Professor of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University • conversation
Aug. 17, 2023 • ~6 min

What happens if someone dies in space?

If an astronaut were to die on Mars, neither cremation nor burial would be good options.

Emmanuel Urquieta, Professor of Space Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine • conversation
July 31, 2023 • ~6 min

Saturn: we may finally know when the magnificent rings were formed

New research suggests Saturn’s rings may be surprisingly young.

Gareth Dorrian, Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Space Science, University of Birmingham • conversation
May 16, 2023 • ~7 min

May 5, 2023, lunar eclipse will be a subtle show of astronomical wonder

Not all lunar eclipses are alike. An astronomer explains the science behind the slight dimming of the Moon on May 5, 2023.

Shannon Schmoll, Director of the Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University • conversation
May 3, 2023 • ~6 min

A brief history of the UK's Winchcombe meteorite

In 2021, searchers recovered a meteorite that fell over the UK just hours earlier. Scientists have now reconstructed its story.

Dr Martin D. Suttle, Lecturer in Planetary Science, The Open University • conversation
March 10, 2023 • ~7 min

No signs (yet) of life on Venus

The unusual behaviour of sulphur in Venus’ atmosphere cannot be explained by an ‘aerial’ form of extra-terrestrial life, according to a new study.

Cambridge University News • cambridge
June 14, 2022 • ~5 min

Asteroids reveal our solar system’s chaotic infancy

A reconstruction of the early history of several asteroids indicates that the solar system at its beginnings was much more chaotic than we thought.

Peter Rüegg-ETH Zurich • futurity
May 25, 2022 • ~7 min

Could people breathe the air on Mars?

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and one of our closest neighbors in space. But it’s not a very welcoming place for an Earthling to visit.

Amy J. Williams, Assistant Professor of Geology, University of Florida • conversation
May 16, 2022 • ~6 min

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