Is it a coincidence that moon keeps one face to Earth?

The moon spins once for each of its orbits around Earth - and that's why the moon always keeps a single face turned our way.

Why is Jupiter called a failed star?

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system, but it isn't massive enough to be a star. Stars require a certain amount of mass to spark thermonuclear fusion - in other words, to shine.

Gravity, does it have a specific speed?

Today's scientists theorize that gravity might travel in space at light speed, as a massless particle called a "graviton."

What makes the night sky dark?

On any clear evening, you can see the curved line of Earth's shadow ascending in the eastern sky. Earth's own shadow makes the night sky dark.

NASA mission that bombarded the moon

The goal of the NASA LCROSS mission was to explore a source of hydrogen at a crater at the moon's south pole, where scientists suspected the water ice.

Saturn has solar system’s biggest ring around it

The ring has a diameter equivalent to 300 Saturns lined up side to side. It’s also thick - some Saturn could fit into its vertical height 20 times.

Mars and Europa best suited for microbial life

Mars and Europa appear to be best suited for life. Will greater understanding of what makes planets habitable by microbes lead to the discovery of life on other worlds?

Alan Boss: Universe could have lots of Earth-like planets

Alan Boss says the universe could be crowded with rocky planets like Earth - some possibly with water, and even life. Amazing!

Two galaxies being stripped of gas and dust

Two galaxies in the Virgo cluster 60 million light-years away are being stripped of gas by a process akin to the wind you feel in your face when bicycling.

Scientists can see Mars in 3-D from lander photos

New computer system generates 3-D views of Mars from the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity photos, enabling virtual tours for scientists.