NASA Science
NASA Science seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space.
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Exploring Jupiter's Ocean World
Mars Odyssey Orbiter
![The image depicts a visualization of ocean currents on Earth, particularly focusing on the Atlantic Ocean. The intricate, swirling patterns represent the movement of water, showcasing the dynamic flow of currents. The landmasses, including parts of North America, Greenland, and Europe, are shown in a brownish hue, contrasting with the blue of the ocean. The currents are illustrated with white, wavy lines, emphasizing their direction and motion, creating a mesmerizing, almost artistic depiction of the perpetual movement of the ocean.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/perpetualocean-cover.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA Science is Delivering
NASA Science is delivering: every second of every day, of every week, of every year. 2024 is proving to be yet another year of exceptional scientific discovery and achievement. From soft landing back on the Moon a few months ago, to celebrating the Heliophysics Big Year and a Total Solar Eclipse in the contiguous United States, to receiving stunning imagery from James Webb, NASA Science is as busy as ever. Recently launched earth science missions are also providing us unprecedented views of our planet and incredible insight into the health of our oceans and atmosphere, and helping decision-makers improve lives on Earth and safeguard our future. And we are charting a new, sustainable path for Mars Sample Return.
Looking ahead, we have many exciting launches on the horizon. At NASA, we are fortunate that our science and exploration endeavors are inextricably linked and help us discover and innovate for the benefit of humanity. Together, we explore to advance scientific understanding. Ultimately, exploration enables science, and science enables exploration.
The NASA Science team is continuing to deliver for the benefit of all.
![Dr. Nicky fox casually chats with undergraduate students over coffee in a laboratory at the University of Delaware. Students take notes in front of a whiteboard while seated around Dr. Fox.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/rsch-phys-nasa-fox-dspoc-visit-ek-041824-007.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
![Artist's rendering of NASA's Europa Clipper](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/europa-clipper.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Europa Clipper
Launching in October 2024, Europa Clipper’s main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, that could support life.
![Illustration of NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) on the surface of the Moon](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/viper.png?w=4096&format=png)
VIPER
VIPER launches late 2024 and will be NASA's first robotic Moon rover to measure the location and concentration of water ice and other resources. These resources could eventually be harvested to sustain human exploration on the Moon, Mars — and beyond!
![Artist concept of the GOES-U satellite in orbit around the earth](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/53391379424-903b458616-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
GOES-U
Launched on June 25, 2024, GOES-U will provide advanced detection and monitoring of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property, and the nation’s economic health.
Latest News
Surfing NASA’s Internet of Animals: Satellites Study Ocean Wildlife
Anchoring the boat in a sandbar, research scientist Morgan Gilmour steps into the shallows and is immediately surrounded by sharks.…
Read the Story![](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/palmyra-view-from-air-kpollock-tnc.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Hubble Finds New Evidence for Black Hole in Omega Centauri
Hubble's 20-year analysis of Omega Centauri's stars revealed evidence of an intermediate-mass black hole, weighing at least 8,200 times the mass of the Sun. This discovery fills a crucial gap in our understanding of black hole evolution, bridging the gap between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes.
Learn more about Hubble's discoveryBy the Numbers
Science is interconnected; no important question stands alone. The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is an organization where discoveries in one scientific discipline have a direct route to other areas of study. This flow is something extremely valuable and is rare in the scientific world.
Learn More about Science by the Numbers![A complex info graphic with text, numbers, icons on a dark blue background laid out in a circular design](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/07.21_SciencebytheNumbers-1-jpg-e1689964440266.webp?w=4096&format=png)
featured image
Vivid Portrait of Interacting Galaxies
Interacting Galaxies Arp 142 (NIRCam and MIRI Image)
Two for two! A duo of interacting galaxies commemorates the second science anniversary of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, which takes constant observations, including images and highly detailed data known as spectra. Its operations have led to a “parade” of discoveries by astronomers around the world.
More about JWST's second anniversaryExplore our changing planet
Earth is our home, shared with millions of species. Rapid changes like rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather are transforming our planet. For over 50 years, observations from space and ground have monitored these changes, guiding critical decisions in areas like agriculture and air quality. By understanding how our actions affect Earth's systems, we can help mitigate these impacts. Discover more about how you can make a difference in safeguarding our planet.
Visit the Earth Information Center![Animated GIF of Spacecraft Over Earth](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Animated_GIF_of_Spacecraft_Over_Earth.gif?w=4096&format=png)
The Sun and Heliophysics
NASA studies the star at the center of our solar system and its influence on space, Earth, and our solar system. This research helps us to not only understand how the universe works, but also protect our technology and astronauts in space.
Learn More about our Sun and Heliophysics![2c.SolarScience_image.jpg](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2c.SolarScience_image_0-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)