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![NASA's snap of Phobos, captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HF44nL4dTrqYWYSY8R7Fmi-320-80.png)
'Space potato' spotted by NASA Mars satellite is actually something much cooler
By Ben Turner published
The starchy-looking moon Phobos, destined to crash into Mars' surface, has been revealed in new detail by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The 'space potato' image was recently shared on NASA's Instagram.
![A glowing orange and brown sphere next to a brighter orange sphere.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/33qLhZ8TdRwvGRoZEMAdab-320-80.jpg)
Gaia space telescope helps astronomers image hidden objects around bright stars
By Robert Lea published
The Gaia space telescope has spotted the dim companions of eight bright stars, suggesting we can expect new glimpses of distant planets.
![a pale gas giant, cut by the shadow of its rings hangs in black space, a large wispy storm in its northern hemisphere.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TLNt6tsfqLGSeSYsA83ioZ-320-80.jpg)
Saturn's planet-wide storms driven by seasonal heating, Cassini probe reveals
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Saturn pumps into space varying amounts of heat based on its seasons, which drives planet-wide storms, data from NASA's Cassini mission has revealed.
![An image of Jupiter's great red spot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wkpzCfxrJscxgFpsoHZpgS-320-80.jpg)
Is Jupiter's Great Red Spot an impostor? Giant storm may not be the original one discovered 350 years ago
By Stefanie Waldek published
Astronomer Giovanni Cassini observed Jupiter's 'Permanent Spot' in 1665, but new research suggests it's a different vortex from today's Great Red Spot.
![Light-toned Martian rock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NbDLjHRV2NMEzT5uvDBxKX-320-80.jpg)
'1st of its kind': NASA spots unusually light-colored boulder on Mars that may reveal clues of the planet's past
By Kristel Tjandra published
NASA's Perseverance rover spotted a bizarrely light-toned boulder on Mars, the likes of which have never been seen before.
![a grainy black-and-white image of a distant hill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YM98KzHe5UuNBfUimPtGRV-320-80.gif)
Solar storm slams Mars in eerie new NASA footage
By Meredith Garofalo published
A powerful solar storm in May 2024 created auroras on Mars and provided scientists with crucial information that could aid future crewed missions to the Red Planet.
![An artists intepretation of Planet Nine shows a large dark planet with the sun in the distance](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JpgxRtvMNUm6hVH8Wom2NS-320-80.jpg)
How long would it take to reach Planet 9, if we ever find it?
By Harry Baker published
Some experts believe that the solar system's hypothetical ninth planet could be just a few years away from being discovered. If this is the case, how long would it take for humans to send probes to the elusive world?
![an illustration showing the hypothetical Planet 9 with blue rings and a question mark over it, with stars and a galaxy in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c8aDkvbNawx6CMY2xmyzT7-320-80.jpg)
Planet Nine: Is the search for this elusive world nearly over?
By Harry Baker published
Astronomers have been scouring the outer solar system for signs of a hypothetical ninth planet for almost a decade, without success. However, we may finally be on the cusp of finding it, experts say.
![An illustration of Olympus Mons, the largest known volcano in the solar system.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FGQ2bbgtGoP6n9k6qofSsi-320-80.jpg)
'At least 150,000 tons' of water frost discovered atop Mars' tallest volcanoes
By Ben Turner published
Once thought impossible to exist, water frost found atop Mars' Tharsis region volcanoes could come in handy for future human exploration missions, new research suggests.
![A top down photograph of a large purple-colored mountain on the surface of Mars](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wQYZJsSUtKsKVdRkxQJwde-320-80.jpg)
The speed of sound on Mars is constantly changing, bizarre study finds
By Deepa Jain published
New research shows that the speed of sound on Mars varies considerably by location and temperature. The findings could help scientists understand sounds picked up by Martian rovers, as well as make future crewed ventures safer.
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