Curiosity Fully Analyzes First Soil Samples:
This is a view of the third (left) and fourth (right) trenches made by the scoop on Curiosity. The coarse sand visible here forms a thin crust in the "Rocknest" wind drift sand on Mars.
Using data gathered by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission, scientists have explained how energetic particles penetrating lunar soil can create molecular hydrogen from water ice.
During the past four years, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has revealed that the moon is a more complex and dynamic world than we had ever expected.
NASA visualizers created a unique eclipse image by combining the view from the Solar Dynamics Observatory with a model of the moon based on Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data.
The NASA Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) arrived today at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility to begin final processing for its trip to the moon later this year.
The Solar System Exploration Division conducts theoretical and experimental research to explore the solar system and understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Laboratories within the Division investigate areas as diverse as astrochemistry, planetary atmospheres, extrasolar planetary systems, earth science, planetary geodynamics, space geodesy, and comparative planetary studies.
To study how planetary systems form and evolve, Division scientists develop theoretical models as well as the investigations and space instruments to test them. The researchers participate in planetary and earth science missions; collect, interpret, and evaluate measurements; and publish conclusions based on this research. The Division archives and disseminates the data, provides expert user support, and offers education and public outreach programs about the Division's science missions and services.
