Planet news, features and articles
Latest about Planets

James Webb telescope discovers its first planet — a Saturn-size 'shepherd' still glowing red hot from its formation
By Ben Turner published
Nestled inside a planetary ring 110 light-years from Earth, a planet spotted by the James Webb telescope is the lightest exoplanet ever detected.

Alcohol-soaked star system could help explain 'why life, including us, was able to form'
By Patrick Pester published
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array has detected methanol isotopes around a nearby star, which could help explain why the ingredients for life are present on Earth.

Mars rover captures first close-up photos of giant 'spiderwebs' on the Red Planet
By Harry Baker published
NASA's Curiosity rover has snapped its first images of web-like "boxwork" features on the surface of Mars. The zig-zagging rocks could provide clues about the Red Planet's watery past and whether it once harbored extraterrestrial life.

Is Mars really red? A physicist explains the truth.
By David Joffe published
Mars isn't a bright, fire-engine red, but the iron oxide in its rocks makes it appear redder than other planets, especially from afar.

James Webb telescope discovers 'a new kind of climate' on Pluto, unlike anything else in our solar system
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
New James Webb Space Telescope data reveal Pluto's high-altitude haze is a key driver of the climate on the dwarf planet, offering clues to Earth's ancient atmosphere.

NASA spots Martian volcano twice the height of Mount Everest bursting through the morning clouds: Space photo of the week
By Shreejaya Karantha published
A new panorama from NASA's Mars Odyssey orbiter shows Arsia Mons, one of the largest volcanoes on Mars, rising above a thick blanket of clouds before dawn.
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.