Space & PhysicsJanuary 12, 2012
Three Tiny Exoplanets Suggest Solar System Not So Special
Kepler telescope discovers miniature extrasolar planetary system
Extraterrestrial Life
Space & PhysicsJanuary 11, 2012
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
The Young American Scientists Issue—Read Now
Space & PhysicsDecember 20, 2011
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
December 6, 2011
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
Space & PhysicsDecember 1, 2011
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
November 30, 2011
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
Space & PhysicsNovember 28, 2011
Curiosity Leaves Earth for Mars
The newest Mars rover, Curiosity, dwarfs NASA's previous rovers in size and scientific prowess. John Matson reports
Space & PhysicsNovember 26, 2011
Next Stop, Mars! Huge NASA Rover Launches toward Red Planet
NASA has launched its next Mars rover, known as Curiosity
Space & PhysicsNovember 24, 2011
NASA's Massive Curiosity Rover Nears Launch toward Mars
The rover formerly known as the Mars Science Laboratory should tackle some of the biggest questions about Mars—assuming it can survive an elaborate touchdown
The SciencesNovember 21, 2011
What Is Life Like in Other Parts of the Multiverse? [Video]
In a clip from the NOVA miniseries "The Fabric of the Cosmos," Brian Greene and his fellow physicists ponder the implications of multiple universes
Space & PhysicsNovember 15, 2011
Bright Exoplanet Lighting Could Indicate Intelligent Life
New telescopes could spot aliens on planets around distant stars, if they like their cities really brightly lit. John Matson reports
November 7, 2011
Life's Journey: 5 Tiny Organisms Hitch a Ride on Mission to a Martian Moon [Slide Show]
The Russian sample-return spacecraft will carry a zoo of microbes to Phobos and back to test whether life can survive the interplanetary journey