Origin and evolution Archives

The structure of a planet, a planet with a disk and a synestia, all of the same mass.

Scientific Press Release 23 May 2017

Researchers Propose New Type of Planetary Object

At one point early in its history, Earth was likely a synestia, a huge, spinning, donut-shaped mass of hot, vaporized rock, a new study finds.

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Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Volcanology

Mineral veins on Mars offer clues to the history of the planet’s crust

Research Spotlight 1 March 2017

Studying Martian Rocks Without Leaving Planet Earth

Matching Martian rock formations to those found on Earth can help researchers learn more about the Red Planet.

Planetary Sciences

Ahuna Mons seen in a simulated perspective view.

Scientific Press Release 3 February 2017

New Research Shows Ceres May Have Vanishing Ice Volcanoes

The findings could help scientists better decipher the history of how the dwarf planet formed.

Climate Change

An artist’s rendition of Kepler-186f, an Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of a distant solar system.

Research Spotlight 29 April 2016

Becoming Habitable in the Habitable Zone

Scientists explore how interactions between a rocky planet's climate, mantle, and core can affect its evolution and determine whether it could sustain life.

Planetary Sciences

Research Spotlight 23 June 2015

How Did the Moon Get Its Shape?

Scientists find a solution to a 200-year-old problem: syncing the prominent bulges on the Moon with our natural satellite's origins.

Education

Project Update 23 September 2014

The New Geologic Map of Mars: Guiding Research and Education

Currently, five spacecraft are investigating Mars, and a swarm of new missions will follow. Clues to where they should focus investigations can be gleaned from the planet’s new geologic map.