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How Careful Observation Revealed Mars Had Two Natural Satellites

How Careful Observation Revealed Mars Had Two Natural Satellites

Discovered in 1877 by Asaph Hall, these moons have captivated scientists with their irregular shapes and mysterious origins. Despite their small si...

Phobos and Deimos Took Their Names From Greek Mythology

Phobos and Deimos Took Their Names From Greek Mythology

Mars, often associated with war and conflict in mythology, is orbited by two moons named Phobos and Deimos. These names, derived from Greek mytholo...

Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts' exposure in solar storms, study suggests

Radiation vest tested on NASA moonshot can cut astronauts' exposure in solar storms, study suggests

A new study suggests a protective vest tested on a manikin during NASA's first Artemis moonshot could slash the radiation exposure of lunar astronauts during severe solar storms

NASA's Artemis I Mission Successfully Tests Radiation-Shielding Vest for Future Lunar and Mars Missions

NASA's Artemis I Mission Successfully Tests Radiation-Shielding Vest for Future Lunar and Mars Missions

NASA's Artemis I mission has successfully tested a radiation-shielding vest designed to protect astronauts from solar radiation during space missions. The vest, known as AstroRad, was developed by the Israeli startup StemRad with support from the Israel Space Agency and Lockheed Martin. It aims to protect astronauts from solar particle events, which are intense bursts of radiation from the sun. The vest was tested using two complex dummies, Zohar and Helga, during the Artemis I mission. Zohar wore the vest, while Helga did not. Although the mission did not encounter a significant solar outburst, the data collected allowed researchers to extrapolate the vest's effectiveness. The results showed that the vest could significantly reduce radiation exposure, potentially sparing astronauts from up to 193 days of deep-space radiation exposure.

UY Scuti: The Massive Star with a Surprising Low Mass

UY Scuti: The Massive Star with a Surprising Low Mass

UY Scuti, a red supergiant star, is known for its enormous size, which could potentially engulf planets like Earth and Mars if placed in our solar system. Despite its vast size, UY Scuti is relatively lightweight, possessing only about ten times the mass of our Sun. This characteristic makes it a fascinating subject for astronomers who study the formation and lifecycle of stars. The star's size and mass challenge existing models of stellar formation, as it appears more like a giant balloon than a dense celestial body. UY Scuti's existence raises questions about how such massive stars can form without collapsing under their own gravity.

Jezero Crater Study Reveals Complex Water History on Mars

Jezero Crater Study Reveals Complex Water History on Mars

A recent study published in January 2026 has provided new insights into the geological history of Jezero Crater on Mars. The study, led by researchers from Imperial College London, analyzed the 'Margin unit' along the crater's western rim, which has been a subject of debate regarding its origin. The research suggests that the Margin unit consists of both sedimentary deposits and altered igneous rock, indicating a complex history of water interaction. The eastern part of the unit shows evidence of a former lakeshore, with sandstone layers reworked by ancient waves, suggesting the presence of a beach. This finding extends the understanding of potentially habitable conditions on Mars, as it implies a prolonged period of surface water presence.

New Analysis Suggests Recent Liquid Water on Mars

New Analysis Suggests Recent Liquid Water on Mars

Researchers led by Jiacheng Liu at the University of Hong Kong have discovered evidence suggesting that liquid water may have existed on Mars more recently than previously thought. Using data from China's Zhurong rover, which landed in Utopia Planitia in 2021, the team identified mineral crystals that could only have formed in standing water. These findings challenge the long-held belief that Mars' surface has been frozen for billions of years. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, indicates that the mineral selenite, a form of gypsum, was found in shapes that suggest formation in concentrated salty water. The researchers estimate that the water layer could have been between 20.5 and 82 feet deep, potentially formed by underground brine pushed to the surface by volcanic activity.

NASA's Perseverance Rover Captures Earth Vanishing Behind Martian Moon Phobos

NASA's Perseverance Rover Captures Earth Vanishing Behind Martian Moon Phobos

NASA's Perseverance rover has captured a rare celestial event on Mars, where Earth was seen vanishing behind the Martian moon Phobos. The images were taken by the rover's Mastcam-Z instrument, showcasing a unique alignment in the Martian sky. This event, known as an occultation, provides valuable data for studying celestial mechanics and the dynamics of Mars' moons.

Today Marks a Look Back at Hall’s Remarkable Discovery Around Mars

Today Marks a Look Back at Hall’s Remarkable Discovery Around Mars

In the late 19th century, the astronomical community was abuzz with discoveries that expanded our understanding of the solar system. Among these wa...

NASA and ESA Predict Phobos' Gradual Descent Towards Mars, Potentially Forming a Temporary Ring

NASA and ESA Predict Phobos' Gradual Descent Towards Mars, Potentially Forming a Temporary Ring

Phobos, the larger of Mars' two moons, is gradually moving closer to the planet at a rate of approximately 1.8 centimeters per year. This inward drift is a result of gravitational interactions between Mars and Phobos, which are causing the moon to lose orbital energy. According to NASA, Phobos could either collide with Mars or disintegrate into a ring in about 50 million years, while the European Space Agency (ESA) suggests this could occur within 100 million years. The moon's fate depends on its internal structure, with weaker materials potentially breaking apart to form a ring around Mars. Phobos currently orbits Mars three times a day, and its descent is expected to accelerate as it gets closer to the planet.

Virtual Alien Lifeform Model Aims to Aid Detection of Extraterrestrial Life

Virtual Alien Lifeform Model Aims to Aid Detection of Extraterrestrial Life

A study led by Arwen Nicholson, an astrophysicist at Exeter University, has developed a virtual alien lifeform model to assist in recognizing life on other planets. Published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, the research introduces a generalized approach to modeling biology that can be applied to various planetary scenarios. The study focuses on methanogens, microbes that produce methane, as a model for potential extraterrestrial life. By simulating these microbes in different biospheres, researchers aim to understand how they might alter atmospheric conditions, providing clues for detecting biosignatures. This approach moves beyond traditional speculation about alien life, offering a practical method for identifying signs of life in diverse environments.

Perseverance Rover Completes Marathon on Mars with Autonomous Navigation

Perseverance Rover Completes Marathon on Mars with Autonomous Navigation

NASA's Perseverance rover has completed a marathon distance on Mars, achieving this milestone in less than half the time it took the Opportunity rover. The rover's success is attributed to its advanced AutoNav system, which allows it to navigate autonomously by analyzing terrain and avoiding hazards. In December 2025, Perseverance also completed the first AI-planned drives on another planet, using generative AI to analyze orbital images and plan routes. These advancements highlight the rover's ability to conduct scientific exploration with minimal human intervention, marking a significant achievement in space exploration technology.