News & Features
Follow mission news or learn about exciting new discoveries from NASA centers and research partners.
Voyager Seeks the Answer Blowin' in the Wind
March 9, 2011
In which direction is the sun's stream of charged particles banking when it nears the edge of the solar system? The answer, scientists know, is blowing in the wind. It's just a matter of getting Voyager 1 spacecraft in the right orientation to detect it.
The Scars of Impacts on Mars
March 8, 2011
ESA's Mars Express has returned images of an elongated impact crater that could help scientists understand how these unique craters are formed. Features of the crater could also provide new information about the potential presence of water that was melted due to the heat of the impact.
James Webb Chassis Prepares for Spin
March 8, 2011
The 'structural heart' of the James Webb Space Telescope is being prepped to spin on Goddard's centrifuge later this month. The white framework shown here will hold the black carbon composite frame in place for its spin.
Cassini Finds Enceladus is a Powerhouse
March 8, 2011
Heat output from the south polar region of Saturn's moon Enceladus is much greater than was previously thought possible, according to a new analysis ...
NASA Creates Glory Mishap Investigation Board
March 7, 2011
The Glory mission ended after the spacecraft failed to reach orbit following its March 4 launch. Telemetry indicated the fairing, a protective shell atop the satellite's Taurus XL rocket, did not separate as expected.
We Can See Clearly Now: ISS Window Observational Research Facility
March 7, 2011
New optical gear on the International Space Station is giving students and earth scientists a better view of our world.
'Elephant Trunks' in Space
March 7, 2011
A new image from NASA's WISE mission shows a zoo of "elephant trunks" herded together in a star-forming region.
Spitzer Captures Infrared Rays From a Sunflower
March 4, 2011
A galactic sunflower shows off its infrared colors in a new image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.
Abundant Ammonia in Ancient Asteroid
March 4, 2011
Scientists have discovered large amounts of ammonia in samples of a primitive meteorite. Ammonia in meteorites could have provided the early Earth with a sustained source of reduced nitrogen, which is essential for the chemistry of life. This study provides further evidence that meteorites may have been linked to life's origin on Earth.
Assumptions about Exo-Oceans
March 4, 2011
Some estimates indicate that 25% of Sun-like stars have Earth-like planets. A new study now shows that these planets are almost certain to have oceans if they are located in the right temperature zone around their host stars.