Martian Moons and Jovian Jaunts
A close-up look at the universe’s many wonders, from nearby planets to faraway galaxies.
- Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech01This close-up photo of Jupiter’s temperate belts was taken by the Juno spacecraft as it skimmed by the giant planet. Jupiter is known for these stripes, which are actually atmospheric separations caused by weather patterns and variations in chemical composition.
- Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech02This image is a stitched-together portrait of some of the last Saturn photographs taken by the Cassini spacecraft—which, after 13 years in orbit, flung itself into the planet and vaporized. The white circle marks the spacecraft’s final resting place.
- Photo: ESA/Hubble & NASA03Congratulations, you’re now a time traveler. This image shows the galaxy cluster PLCK G004.5-19.5 as it looked five billion years ago—which is how long it took the light to travel the vast distance to reach our telescopes.
- Photo: ESO04The four laser beams shooting out from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope allow the telescope to create an artificial guide star, allowing the optics to stay tuned while scientists track real astronomical objects.
- Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech05These two floating space objects are actually the two moons of Mars: Phobos and Deimos. Scientists hope to someday land robotic spacecraft (or even humans) on these moons, but for now they’re just studying them from a distance.
- Photo: NASA/ESA06Scientists thought they had nailed down the universe’s rate of expansion, but a new study—which used the stars circled in yellow to measure brightness and distance—revealed that it might be expanding faster than they thought.
TopicsAMP Stories
New Horizons Breaks a Record for Long-Distance Photography
The spacecraft was 3.79 billion miles from Earth when it snapped this photo of a Kuiper Belt object.
Shannon Stirone
Even Geriatric Mars Rovers Know How to Snap Selfies
The Opportunity rover has been exploring Mars for 14 years. But that doesn't mean it can't put Curiosity's social media skills to shame.
Shannon Stirone
Cosmic Dust Gives Milky Way a Fiery Mane
The Planck space telescope, which is surveying the entire sky in four massive sweeps, has nearly finished its first scan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k19ZtdIxNOY Rotating in orbit, Planck takes data of the sky in strips, almost the reverse of a chef peeling an apple in one long, thin strip. This image, taken from the scan, shows the structure […]
Alexis Madrigal
You Just Try to Snap a Photo at 100,000 MPH
When NASA's Juno spacecraft whizzes by Jupiter's poles, it manages to snap clear photos at astounding speeds.
Shannon Stirone
Top Home Chef Promo Codes for September 2026
Enjoy up to 50% off deliveries, free meals, and more with the latest Home Chef coupons.
Louryn Strampe
Limited Time: TurboTax Coupons Full Service This 2026
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Score 10% off full service expert on federal tax filings and more exclusive TurboTax discount codes on WIRED.
Molly Higgins
Top Newegg Promo Codes and Coupons for September 2026
Enjoy up to 10% off your entire order with today’s Newegg promo code and discount codes. Save with the latest deals for gaming PCs, laptops, and computer parts.
Molly Higgins
Top Squarespace Promo Codes: 20% Off in September 2026
Get 20% off your next website, 10% off with exclusive Squarespace discount code, 50% off plans, and more top coupons from WIRED.
Molly Higgins
Columbia Promo Codes: 15% Off for September 2026
Explore current Columbia deals on jackets, outdoor gear, and apparel. Find active Columbia promo codes, student discounts, and free shipping offers to save on your next adventure.
Boutayna Chokrane
Chewy Promo Codes: $20 Off September 2026
Explore Chewy coupon codes for $30 off, $20 off your first order $49, 50% off pet food, and more September 2026 discounts.
Molly Higgins
Top Peacock Promo Codes: 40% Off September 2026
Stream your favorite shows for up to $80 off this month, and save on subscription plans with the latest Peacock TV coupons from WIRED.
Molly Higgins
Top Maytag Promo Codes: 15% Off
Upgrade your home for less with these verified Maytag discount codes, military savings, and limited-time closeout offers on washers, dryers, and more.
Matthew Korfhage