The Solar System’s small, rocky innermost world
A series of high-altitude eclipse observations are under way across Europe, North America and beyond. NASA-backed aircraft chase the moon’s shadow to extend totality, while airlines offer special flights and Iberia livestreams the event from Spain.
A NASA-backed mission to salvage the Swift telescope using the three-armed Link spacecraft has failed to boost Swift to a higher orbit. Link has run low on fuel after a close approach and will reenter the atmosphere in coming weeks as NASA notes the mission offers lessons for future renewals of space assets.
Independent reports NASA and ESA push two major space initiatives: Envision aims to map Venus at unprecedented radar resolution to probe active volcanism; BepiColombo edges toward Mercury with a dramatic orbit insertion after nine gravity assists and separation of its propulsion module.
Scientists have identified a 222‑metre‑wide, 43‑metre‑deep crater on the Moon formed by a powerful impact in spring 2024. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has mapped ejecta across more than 100 km and a 7‑km cold spot; researchers say the impact is the largest freshly formed crater known in the solar system and will inform lunar base design.