Radar astronomy is a research area that uses active radar techniques to investigate solar system bodies and near-Earth space by transmitting radio waves and analyzing their echoes from planetary surfaces, moons, asteroids, comets, and ring systems. It enables precise measurements of distance, velocity, rotation state, surface roughness, and dielectric properties, often at spatial resolutions unattainable by passive remote sensing. Radar astronomy contributes to orbit determination and impact-risk assessment for near-Earth objects, constrains internal structure and regolith properties, and refines planetary ephemerides and tests of gravitational theory. It commonly employs large ground-based facilities, such as planetary radar systems, operating at microwave frequencies optimized for penetration and scattering analyses.
The Vera Rubin Observatory (VRO) has barely begun observations and is already wowing us. Images like its Cosmic Treasure Chest have us anticipating even more cosmic glory. And when the observatory sent out 800,000 alerts ...
Astronomy
Mar 11, 2026
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When we think of ice on Mars, we typically think of the poles, where we can see it visibly through probes and even ground-based telescopes. But the poles are hard to access, and even more so given the restrictions on exploration ...
Planetary Sciences
Feb 22, 2026
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Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists are collaborating with researchers at UT San Antonio to study how space weathering can alter the lunar surface materials to help interpret regional and global far-ultraviolet ...
Planetary Sciences
Dec 10, 2025
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Ancient Mars boasted abundant water, but the cold and dry conditions of today make liquid water on the Red Planet seem far less probable. However, the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) detected ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 21, 2025
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An international team of astronomers reports the discovery of a new long-period radio transient, which received the designation ASKAP J144834−685644 (ASKAP J1448−6856 for short). The newfound transient is a crucial addition ...
What methods can be used to identify subsurface oceans on the five largest moons of Uranus: Ariel, Umbriel, Titania and Oberon, and Miranda? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference ...
Space Exploration
Jun 27, 2025
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After nearly 20 years of operations, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is on a roll, performing a new maneuver to squeeze even more science out of the busy spacecraft as it circles the Red Planet. Engineers have essentially ...
Space Exploration
Jun 26, 2025
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105
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), launched by NASA in 2005, is orbiting Mars tasked with studying its atmosphere, surface, and subsurface in unprecedented detail. Equipped with a suite of advanced instruments—including ...
Planetary Sciences
May 30, 2025
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How can Uranus be used to indirectly study its moons and identify if they possess subsurface oceans? This is what a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference hopes to address as a team of scientists ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 3, 2025
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45
On March 1, NASA's Europa Clipper will streak just 550 miles (884 kilometers) above the surface of Mars for what's known as a gravity assist—a maneuver to bend the spacecraft's trajectory and position it for a critical leg ...
Space Exploration
Feb 25, 2025
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