Russian Scientists Poised to be First to Reach Ice-Buried Antarctic Lake
If they don't reach the lake before they are forced to leave for the winter, the Russian team will be forced to wait two more years to sample water from the lake, and discover what may be living in it
Newfound Alien Planet Is Best Candidate Yet to Support Life, Scientists Say
A potentially habitable alien planet has been found orbiting a nearby star
Thanks to Plants, We Will Never Find a Planet Like Earth
Earth's flora is responsible for the glaciers and rivers that have created this planet's distinctive landscape
Dozens and Dozens: NASA's Kepler Spies Packs of New Exoplanets
The discovery of a planet outside our solar system used to be so important that a big announcement from NASA or other professional planet-finders would usually bring news of a single planet, or perhaps a few.
Three Tiny Exoplanets Suggest Solar System Not So Special
Kepler telescope discovers miniature extrasolar planetary system
A Plenitude of Planets: Galactic Search Finds Exoplanets Are More Commonplace Than Stars
The ubiquity of extrasolar planets, and of relatively small worlds in particular, bodes well for searches for life-friendly Earth twins
It's a Small World: Kepler Spacecraft Discovers First Known Earth-Size Exoplanets
NASA's planet-hunting observatory claims its smallest two finds yet, but neither looks hospitable to life
Kepler Finds Its First Planet in the Habitable Zone
NASA's Kepler telescope has discovered its first exoplanet that could be at temperatures allowing liquid water, a big hurdle for life. John Matson reports
NASA's Mars Rover Curiosity Had Planetary Protection Slipup
The incident has become a lessons-learned example of miscommunication in assuring that planetary protection procedures are strictly adhered to
Breaking the Deep-Space Barrier [Interactive]
How a spacecraft propelled by ion drives could deliver humanity deeper into space than ever before. Read more in our special report on deep-space exploration
Curiosity Leaves Earth for Mars
The newest Mars rover, Curiosity, dwarfs NASA's previous rovers in size and scientific prowess. John Matson reports
Next Stop, Mars! Huge NASA Rover Launches toward Red Planet
NASA has launched its next Mars rover, known as Curiosity