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Planetary Science

The face of the planet Mars (NASA)

Destination Mars

Discover how space agencies have explored the Red Planet in the past and present and learn about the future of human spaceflight to the red planet.

Pluto lit by a distant Sun

Meet Our Dwarf Planets

Learn about the dwarf planets in our Solar System.

Jupiter’s atmosphere taken from NASA's Juno spacecraft

The Outer Solar System

Learn about the amazing planets and moons of the outer Solar System.

ChaoticMind75 - iStock

Why is it colder in the winter even though the Earth is closer to the Sun?

Learn why we have seasons in this hands on activity.

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

Explore the effects of asteroid impacts in this hands on activity.

The planet Mars

What is your weight on another planet?

Do you weigh the same on Jupiter as you do on Earth? Learn to calculate your weight on a different planet.

An artist’s impression of a habitable exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star

Searching for exoplanets around the star next door

In planetary science, astronomers have found planets that orbit other stars, just like Earth orbits the Sun. Some of them might even be able to support life.

Artist’s conception of NASA’s Space Launch System

Escape Velocity

Why do a baseball and a rocket need the same launch speed to get from Earth into space? It has to do with physics and gravitational force.

Asteroids

Where Can We Find Asteroids and Comets?

This backgrounder explains the difference between planets, dwarf planets and small solar system bodies, such as asteroids and comets.