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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
Messengers of ice and time
Comets are ancient relics from the Solar System's formation that may have delivered water and the building blocks of life to early Earth.
What is comet 3I/ATLAS?
A roundup of key facts and surprising discoveries about the third known interstellar object.
Where do 3I/ATLAS and other interstellar visitors come from?
Interstellar interlopers like 'Oumuamua and 3I/ATLAS could be our best bet at exploring other stars.
Studying a distant visitor: What we know about Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS
Key highlights from an interview with Dr. Bryce Bolin, lead author of a study on Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS.
How to spot comet SWAN (C/2025 F2)
Catch this spectacular comet over the next few weeks.
Does Jupiter protect Earth from asteroids and comets?
Jupiter has often been thought to protect the inner Solar System from asteroids and comets, but new research has shown that the giant planet may actually increase the risk of an impact.
The hottest and coldest places in the Solar System
The worlds of our Solar System run the gamut of temperatures. Here are some of the hottest and coldest places we know of.
Asteroids vs comets vs meteorites/meteoroids/meteors
A handy guide to help tease apart the differences between asteroids, comets, meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids. e
Cometary sights and sounds
Discover what causes a comet’s color and what it might be like to listen to one whiz by.
How to see newly discovered Comet Nishimura
Comet Nishimura was discovered in August 2023, and is passing close to Earth and the Sun in September. Learn more about it and how to find it.
What does a bear have in common with a megatsunami?
An old image of Mars drives scientific questions today, moons and mini asteroids fuel fascination, and an unexpected ursine figure shows itself.
More worlds, anyone?
The more we search, the more we find. From exoplanets to moons to asteroids, the list of worlds just keeps growing.
Best space pictures of the month: January 2023
A sample depot on Mars and a stunning green comet top this month's space highlights.
By Jove! (Literally)
Jupiter’s moons have always been exciting to explore, and a new era of Jovian moon research is about to begin.
I spy with my technologically enhanced eye
Seeing more with infrared cameras, radar telescopes, and good old-fashioned artistic instincts.
Extraterrestrial frosts
Frost happens throughout the Solar System, creating beautiful views. Learn why and check out the latest in space news.
How to see Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF)
Everything you need to know about Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF) or the "Green comet," which is making its first approach to Earth in 50,000 years.
Creepy Cosmos! Scary space! Petrifying planets!
An especially spooky Halloween edition of The Downlink.
New wonders to behold
New stars are being born, new missions are being conceived, and new discoveries are being made all the time.
Comets: big, beautiful, and surprisingly smelly
Get ready for one of the year’s best meteor showers, caused by one of the many intriguing comets of our Solar System.