Mercury's Iron Snow
Scientific evidence suggests that iron 'snow' may form deep inside of Mercury. The movement of this iron snow could be responsible for Mercury's magnetic field. The finding has implications in our understanding of the nature and evolution of planets.

Oceans Gasping for Breath
During the Jurassic, global warming and severe environmental change led to the extinction of many species. One of the most intriguing effects was that the oceans became starved of oxygen.

Pulses to Find Planets
A new ultrafast laser could increase the sensitivity of astronomical tools searching for Earth-like planets by as much as 100 fold. The new technology could be a major advancement in the search for habitable extrasolar worlds.

Asteroid BB Gun
Researchers confirm that asteroid impacts can strike with enough force to liquefy carbon deep in the Earth's crust and eject it skyward to form beads that then blanket the planet. The finding is helping scientists interpret how past impacts effected life on Earth.

Laser Insight into Gas Giants
Using a high-energy laser, scientists are learning about the evolution and internal structure of gas giant planets. The research will yield information about planets like Jupiter and Saturn as well as distant extrasolar worlds.

Testing Times for Robotic Explorers
A team of scientists have been investigating how signs of life on Mars can be spotted using instruments on robotic probes.

Solar System Bounce
A new computer model may demonstrate how comets from the outer solar system are sent into the inner solar system where they can impact with planets. The model could also explain why the Earth might have experienced cycles of high impact activity throughout its history.

Earth's Late Veneer
New research questions the idea that water and other elements were added to the Earth late in its formation by impacts with icy comets and meteorites. The finding may cause scientists to rethink theories about the origin of life on our planet.

Is There Life on Mars? Ask a Magnet.
Magnetite, a type of iron oxide, is common on both Earth and Mars, and appears in many forms. On Earth, some of those forms are produced only by bacteria and have unique magnetic signatures. Soon Sam Kim has developed a means of detecting this biologically-produced magnetite that could help in the search for life on Mars.

Mapping Mars from Wet to Dry
High-resolution data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s CRISM instrument has been used to create a new online map of Mars. The map allows visitors to see Mars' progression through wet, volcanic and dry eras.