Solar System
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See a 'parade' of 6 planets fill the sky on Saturday night — before a bonus 7th planet joins in MarchWorlds will align for a "planetary parade" in January, with four bright and easily visible to the naked eye. But an even better view arrives in February and March. Here's what you need to know.
By Jamie Carter Last updated
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An interstellar visitor may have changed the course of 4 solar system planets, study suggestsAn object eight times the mass of Jupiter may have swooped around the sun, coming superclose to Mars' present-day orbit before shoving four of the solar system's planets onto a different course.
By Abha Jain Published
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Earth's moon could've had Saturn-like rings, new study hintsA new study implies that in the past, moons in our solar system may have had rings just like planets do — deepening the mystery of why no ringed moons exist today.
By Deepa Jain Published
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We might have been completely wrong about the origin of Saturn's rings, new study claimsComputer modeling suggests Saturn's rings are billions of years older than previous research suggests — but the new findings are up for debate.
By Patrick Pester Published
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New thunderstorms wider than Earth are spewing out green lightning on Jupiter — and could make one of the gas giant's massive bands disappearA pair of massive thunderstorms have been spotted swirling in Jupiter's "South Equatorial Belt" and are likely unleashing massive bolts of green lightning. Some experts think the pale clouds could end up altering the rusty band's color — and potentially even making it "disappear."
By Harry Baker Published
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Solar system quiz: How well do you know our cosmic neighborhood?Quiz Test your knowledge on our solar system, from the biggest and smallest planets to the behemoth mountain on Mars.
By Ian Stokes Published
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Scientists trace origin of Earth's mysterious 'minimoon' days before it escapes into space for 30 yearsA new study reveals that the asteroid 2024 PT5, which has been orbiting Earth for 2 months, may have a "lunar origin." However, it is about to break free from our planet, making it tricky to tell for sure.
By Harry Baker Published
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3D map reveals our solar system's local bubble has an 'escape tunnel'A 3D map of our cosmic neighborhood has revealed hot and cold regions as well as an "escape tunnel" from our local bubble.
By Robert Lea Published
astronomy -
Why is Pluto not considered a planet?Pluto was demoted from a planet to a dwarf planet in 2006. So why is its status still so controversial today?
By Joanna Thompson Published
planets
