Beyond Our Solar System

After nine years collecting data that indicate our sky to be filled with billions of hidden planets – more planets even than stars – NASA’s Kepler space telescope has run out of fuel.

The search goes on for evidence of life – and for a world something like our own.

From deep below the soil at Earth’s polar regions to Pluto’s frozen heart, ice exists all over the solar system...and beyond.

Caltech researchers discover a new mechanism for describing planet formation, stellar winds and more.

Astronomers have uncovered tantalizing evidence of what could be the first discovery of a moon orbiting a planet outside our solar system.

So you think you found an exoplanet – a planet around another star? Here are 10 things to know about finding and confirming exoplanets.

To most of us, dust is an annoyance. But these tiny particles that float about and settle on surfaces play an important role across the solar system.

A new study uses Earth as a stand-in for an exoplanet and shows that even with very little light -- as little as one pixel -- it is still possible to measure key characteristics of distant worlds.

'Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object to travel through our solar system, got an unexpected boost in speed and shift in trajectory last year, a new study shows.

There are over 3,700 planets in our galaxy. Spend Memorial Day barbecuing it up on any of these alien worlds.

Are you looking for an exotic destination to visit this summer? Why not take a virtual trip to an Earth-size planet beyond our solar system with NASA’s interactive Exoplanet Travel Bureau?

Every day, all over the world, enthusiastic amateurs are making discoveries and valuable contributions—no fancy degrees or resumes needed.

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot has named the Science Mission Directorate’s Planetary Science Division Director Jim Green as the agency's new chief scientist.

NASA's efforts in digital communications have been recognized with nominations for six Webby Awards, the highest honor for online communications.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope currently is undergoing final integration and test phases that will require more time to ensure a successful mission.

The first interstellar object ever seen in our solar system, named ‘Oumuamua, is giving scientists a fresh perspective on the development of planetary systems.

Let the planet-hunting begin. NASA’s planet-hunting TESS spacecraft is being prepared for an April launch. Below, 10 Things to know about the many, many unknown planets out there awaiting our discovery.

The Messier catalog includes some of the most fascinating astronomical objects that can be observed from Earth’s Northern Hemisphere.

Inspiring views of our solar system and beyond.

A system of at least five exoplanets has been discovered by citizen scientists through a project called Exoplanet Explorers.

The Moon became a key focus point for NASA in 2017, whether it was blocking out the Sun during one of the most-viewed events in U.S. history, or reinvigorating the agency’s human space exploration plans.

A set of thrusters aboard the Voyager 1 spacecraft successfully fired up after 37 years without use.

It's never too late to appreciate the far-reaching influence the Voyagers have had—including pop culture.

Scientists using the Herschel space observatory have made the first definitive detection of water vapor on the largest and roundest object in the asteroid belt, Ceres.

The unexpected slowing of NASA's Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft – the so-called "Pioneer Anomaly" – turns out to be due to the slight, but detectable effect of heat pushing back on the spacecraft.