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Plus a high-res map of Bennu, a virtual space party, and more
2 March 2020
Learn why and how we study exoplanets, and how you can get involved.
Scientists are searching for 100 Earth-like planets around other stars, and you can help.
Swapna Krishna ● 12 March 2020
The habitable zone is the not-too-hot, not-too-cold region around a star where liquid water can exist.
Emily Lakdawalla ● 2 March 2020
Lava worlds. Hot Jupiters. Earth 2.0 candidates. Here's a rundown of some notable exoplanets.
Emily Lakdawalla & Staff ● 2 March 2020
Some methods almost sound like science fiction: Using gravity as a magnifying glass, watching stars wobble at turtle-like speeds, and searching for tiny dips in starlight.
WFIRST, NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope, is the next step in our hunt for Earth-sized exoplanets.
• November 03, 2017
Building on the successes of its primary mission and its first extended mission, NASA has approved the veteran explorer for a second extended mission.
• October 04, 2017
A decade after leaving its first home in the solar system, Dawn is healthy and successful at its current residence around Ceres.
• July 11, 2017
Orbiting the only dwarf planet inside the orbit of Neptune, Dawn is healthy and continuing to carry out its assignments at Ceres, which includes keeping an eye on cosmic rays.
• May 30, 2017
On the other side of the solar system, invisible by virtue both of the blinding glare of the sun and by the vastness of the distance, Dawn is continuing its remarkable cosmic adventure.
• May 05, 2017
In the second and final chapter of our series, we’ll explore what the rocket equation has to say about travel through the solar system, using the example of launching a rocket to Pluto.
• May 01, 2017
The Dawn spacecraft is about to swing into a new orbital path to observe the enigmatic "bright spots" in Occator Crater on Ceres—among other targets.
• March 31, 2017
Now in its third year of orbiting a distant dwarf planet, a spacecraft from Earth is as active as ever. Like a master artist, Dawn is working hard to add fine details to its stunning portrait of Ceres.
• March 02, 2017
The Dawn mission is executing an ambitious bonus goal recently devised for its extended mission. Mission Manager and Chief Engineer Marc Rayman brings us his monthly update.
• February 01, 2017
Dawn has moved into its sixth orbital phase, with a new sun angle that provides an opportunity to gain a new perspective on the asteroid Ceres.
• January 03, 2017
Dawn is concluding a remarkable year of exploring dwarf planet Ceres. Chief Engineer and Mission Manager Marc Rayman brings us his latest update.
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