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.
Earth Day 2026
On April 6, 2026, shortly before Earth slid behind the Moon from the perspective of Orion, and the spacecraft lost radio signal with mission control for 40 minutes, the Artemis II crew captured this stunning image of Earth setting over the lunar surface. The photo is reminiscent of the iconic 1968 Earthrise image, captured by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders during the first human journey around the Moon. As the astronauts flew over the Moon’s far side, the crew photographed and described terrain features including impact craters, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges formed as the Moon slowly evolved over time. They also noted differences in color, brightness and texture, which provide clues that help scientists understand the composition and history of the lunar surface. The image has been slightly sharpened to fit the format of the poster.
Download Earthrise PosterExperience the closest thing to standing next to the actual JWST
Joining other historic NASA missions like Apollo, Voyager, and the Discovery Space Shuttle, Webb’s Optical Telescope Element Pathfinder has made its way to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian museum for permanent display.
The Pathfinder is the largest intact mirror support structure of its kind, comprised of exotic lightweight materials invented for the purpose of seeing near to the very limits of the observable universe.
A Spaceship Called Earth
With NASA’s “Your Name in Landsat” online interactive, users can type in their name, then view and export the graphic of that name spelled out in Earth features found in Landsat images.
See Your Name in Landsat
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
IMAP
Launched September 24, 2025, IMAP will help researchers better understand the boundary of the heliosphere, a huge bubble created by the Sun surrounding and protecting our solar system.
Pandora
Pandora is a small satellite designed to characterize exoplanet atmospheres and their host stars. It is slated to observe at least 20 different planets during its one year of science operations.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly, the first-of-its-kind rotorcraft to explore another world, will fly to various locations on Saturn’s moon Titan and investigate the moon’s habitability.
What’s Up: April 2026 Skywatching Tips
Mercury shines at its brightest for the year, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks, and a bright new comet makes an appearance in April’s night sky. Catch Mercury low in the eastern sky before sunrise on April 3 at its greatest elongation. Then look up late April 21 into the 22nd for the Lyrids, with “shooting stars” radiating near the bright star Vega. Also this month, Comet C/2025 R3 (Pan-STARRS) may be visible with binoculars or a telescope, especially around April 17, before making its closest approach to Earth on April 27.
More Skywatching Tips from NASA2026 NASA Science Calendar
Download the Cover
Learn about those of the NASA corps who make “space sailing” their career profession.
Citizen Science:
Snapshot Wisconsin
Do you ever wonder what wildlife is wandering around in the woods? With Snapshot Wisconsin, you can find out!
Wisconsin, a state in the Great Lakes region of the U.S., is home to 65 species of native mammals (the focus of this project) and thousands of other vertebrate, invertebrate, and native plant species living in diverse natural communities. Through Snapshot Wisconsin, you can help to support and inform the people managing these natural communities in two ways: apply to host a trail camera (open to Wisconsin residents only) or identify animals in images caught on trail cameras (open to everyone).
Most Notable 2026 Astronomical Events
This year will be busy for avid skywatchers, with some incredible opportunities to view meteor showers, planets, and the Moon in the night sky.
See the Top Sky Watching Events
Division Highlight: Heliophysics
The Science Mission Directorate Heliophysics Division studies the nature of the Sun and how it influences the very nature of space and the planets and the technology that exists there. Space is not completely empty: We live in the extended atmosphere of an active star. Our Sun sends out a steady outpouring of particles and energy known as the solar wind, carrying the Sun’s writhing magnetic field. This extensive, dynamic solar atmosphere surrounds the Sun, Earth, the planets, and extends far out into the solar system.
Learn More about Division Highlight: Heliophysics
Dive Deeper
NASA Science Strategy
Our science strategy articulates a forward-thinking vision and presents a comprehensive, cohesive and long-term roadmap for all NASA activities.
People of NASA Science
Meet the individuals who are instrumental in enabling the realization of NASA Science’s extraordinary mission.
NASA Science Careers
Discover career opportunities at NASA Science, where innovation, growth and collaboration shape the future of scientific exploration.
The Science Behind
‘Project Hail Mary’
In the science-fiction novel and movie “Project Hail Mary,” the story revolves around the rigors of an astronaut working and surviving during a yearslong mission, the power of deep-space communications, the search for life beyond Earth, and nearby star systems that actually exist — Tau Ceti and 40 Eridani A.
Let NASA shed some light: Explore the resources below to learn the science facts fueling the science fiction.
