Solar system terrestrial planets as a research area focuses on the comparative study of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars to understand the formation, differentiation, and evolution of rocky planets. It integrates planetary geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheric science, and orbital dynamics to investigate crust–mantle–core structures, volcanic and tectonic processes, surface–atmosphere interactions, and volatile and climate histories. The field relies heavily on spacecraft missions, remote sensing, in situ measurements, laboratory analyses of analog materials, and numerical modeling to constrain accretion processes, interior dynamics, habitability conditions, and the broader context of terrestrial exoplanets.
Planetary scientists believe they can now predict the green glow of an aurora in the night sky above Mars, and they have the images to prove it.
Planetary Sciences
Sep 10, 2025
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Earth is so far the only known planet on which life exists—with liquid water and a stable atmosphere. However, the conditions were not conducive to life when it formed. The gas-dust cloud from which all the planets in the ...
Astrobiology
Aug 28, 2025
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The idea of building settlements on Mars is a popular goal of billionaires, space agencies and interplanetary enthusiasts.
Space Exploration
Aug 26, 2025
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You know, if you think about it, and trust me we're about to, the moon is kind of weird. Of all the terrestrial worlds of the solar system, we're the only one with a substantial natural satellite. Mercury and Venus have nothing. ...
Space Exploration
Aug 25, 2025
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Six planets are hanging out in the sky this month in what's known as a planetary parade. Catch the spectacle while you can because it's the last one of the year.
Planetary Sciences
Aug 14, 2025
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Mars still holds the promise of being one of the first places in the solar system humanity will colonize. However, if there was evolutionarily distinct, extant life on the planet, it might sway the heart of even the most ...
Astrobiology
Aug 14, 2025
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In the not-too-distant future, the search for signs of life on Mars and the moon could see the next generation of robots exploring a new frontier: subsurface lava tubes. These missions could also help us determine the best ...
In 2024, NASA's Mars rover Perseverance collected an unusual rock sample. The rock, named Sapphire Canyon, features white, leopardlike spots with black borders within a red mudstone and might hold clues about sources of organic ...
Space Exploration
Aug 12, 2025
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Summer's most dazzling meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks early Wednesday. At the same time, Venus and Jupiter will converge in the sky—overlapping like a very bright star.
Space Exploration
Aug 11, 2025
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During the early days of our solar system, giant impacts were common occurrences. Earth likely experienced such an impact that created our moon, and Mars may have been struck by objects that created its asymmetrical surface ...
Planetary Sciences
Aug 11, 2025
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