Space

Chemical transformations inside Mars’s core led to the loss of its magnetic field, which in turn caused the planet to lose its oceans. But how did this happen? Mars’s surface today is barren and dry, with most of its remaining water trapped in polar icecaps or possibly hidden underground. However, a closer look reveals features resembling shorelines or canyons that hint at … [Read more...] about How Mars Lost Its Magnetic Field—and Then Its Oceans

Nothing in this Universe lasts forever—not even the stars. Throughout most of history, people believed that stars were eternal. They were seen as immortal deities in the sky or as timeless gems decorating the heavens. One of the greatest breakthroughs in twentieth-century astronomy, however, was the discovery that stars go through life cycles just like humans. They are born, … [Read more...] about How Stars Die

A science philosopher outlines how the industry can explore other planets without exploiting them. Over the past decade, the commercial space industry has expanded rapidly, with rival nations vying for strategic military and economic advantages beyond Earth. Both public and private sectors are eager to mine the Moon, while an increasing cloud of space debris continues to … [Read more...] about Astronomers Warn of Colonial Behaviors in the Space Industry

Large caves on the Moon have recently been found, which emphasizes the significance of caves for astrobiology as well as for upcoming space exploration. In 2010, after analyzing radar images captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Leonardo Carrer and his team discovered that a deep pit identified 15 years earlier in the Sea of Tranquility—the area where Apollo 11 … [Read more...] about Discovering Caves on the Moon Is Impressive, But on Mars? Even More Exciting!