Planetary Science articles
What evidence do we have that there was water on Mars?
The evidence affirming that water, in nearly every state—flowing liquid, frozen ice, and chemically bound mineral—has ex...
Why are some moons geologically active?
The question of why some moons remain geologically vibrant while others are frozen, cratered relics is one of the most c...
What resources are found in Jupiter's moons?
The moons orbiting Jupiter are not just frozen, distant satellites; they represent vast reservoirs of materials critical...
Is astronomy science hard?
The allure of the cosmos—the glittering nebulae, the silent sweep of distant galaxies—often masks the academic reality r...
Is astronomy an easy science class in college?
The quest for a manageable science elective often leads college students to the celestial sphere, and the common refrain...
Is astronomy a hard or soft science?
The designation of a scientific field as either "hard" or "soft" often sparks more debate among academics and the public...
What is the difference between a planetary and a diffuse nebula?
Nebulae, those magnificent clouds of gas and dust scattered across the cosmos, represent the raw material and the dramat...
Why do planetary nebulas have so many different shapes?
The vast, glowing clouds known as planetary nebulas present a stunning array of forms across the night sky, from simple ...
Are planetary nebulas rare?
The appearance of a glowing shell of gas drifting in space, often displaying vibrant colors and intricate shapes, immedi...
What is the reason that planetary nebulae are visible?
Planetary nebulae owe their ephemeral visibility to a dramatic final act in the lives of certain stars—specifically, med...