Planets
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A moon of Uranus could have a hidden ocean, James Webb Space Telescope finds
By Robert Lea published
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have found that Ariel, a moon of Uranus, has some of the most carbon dioxide-rich deposits in the solar system, hinting at a buried water ocean.
9-mile-thick layer of solid diamonds may lurk beneath Mercury's surface, study hints
By Deepa Jain last updated
New simulations suggest that a 9-mile-thick layer of solid diamonds may lurk deep below the surface of Mercury. The gems almost certainly can't be mined for bling — but they may help solve some of the planet's biggest mysteries.
Jupiter's surreal clouds swirl in new van Gogh-esque view from NASA's Juno probe
By Samantha Mathewson published
Vivid clouds swirl across Jupiter's skies like colorful brushstrokes in a new photo from NASA's Juno spacecraft.
NASA Mars rover finds 'first compelling detection' of potential fossilized life on the Red Planet
By Ben Turner published
A peculiar leopard-spotted rock, found beside an ancient, dried-out river in Mars' Jezero crater, contains some tantalizing clues of ancient life, NASA said.
NASA's Curiosity rover accidentally reveals ultra-rare sulfur crystals after crushing a rock on Mars
By Harry Baker published
NASA's Curiosity rover revealed an 'oasis' of rare elemental sulfur on Mars after accidentally crushing a rock with its tires. The yellow crystals have never been spotted on the Red Planet before.
Astronomers want to change how we define a planet — again
By Kristel Tjandra published
Astronomers are proposing a new, more quantitative definition of what makes a planet. The new definition looks more directly at the object's mass — but it would still leave Pluto out of the running.
NASA's 1st year-long mock Mars mission wraps up in Houston
By Mike Wall published
Four volunteers exited a mock Mars habitat at NASA's Johnson Space Center on July 6, bringing the agency's first year-long simulated Red Planet mission to an end.
'Eyeball' planet spied by James Webb telescope might be habitable
By Ben Turner published
Located 50 light-years from Earth, the beady-eyed exoplanet LHS 1140 b could be a perfect candidate for discovering liquid water outside the solar system, new research suggests.
James Webb telescope reveals rare, 'rotten egg' atmosphere around nearby hell planet
By Harry Baker published
The James Webb Space Telescope revealed that the hot Jupiter exoplanet HD 189733 b, located just 64 light-years from Earth, has an atmosphere full of hydrogen sulfide, meaning it likely smells of rotten eggs.
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