NASA Solar System

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Science

NASA's Bennu asteroid samples contain ribose and glucose, supporting prebiotic chemistry

NASA Solar System says this is the first glucose identified in any extraterrestrial sample, and ribose is used in RNA.

1 Source, 1d ago, first seen 1d ago

This image shows a circular metal container divided into six wedge-shaped sections, each filled with varying amounts of dark, fine-grained material and small rocks. The surface is highly organized, with scientific tools and utensils placed neatly to the left and right sides. This container holds samples collected from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, prepared for analysis in a sterile laboratory environment.

Science

Psyche and Europa Clipper launched with the same rocket side boosters

NASA says Psyche launched on October 13, 2023, with Europa Clipper following on October 14, 2024.

1 Source, 7d ago, first seen 7d ago

A rocket lifts off on a pillar of fire as a bird flies by, the scene reflected in the still waters of a lake.

Science

NASA's DAVINCI Venus probe model survives six furnace cycles to 869°F

NASA says the model emerged unscathed from tests conducted August 28 to September 10. Each heat cycle was matched to the probe's planned hour-long descent.

1 Source, 20d ago, first seen 20d ago

Close-up of the DAVINCI probe engineering model, a rounded metallic vessel about the size of a yoga ball, before heat testing.
Credit: NASA/Mike Guinto

Science

NASA scientists head to Scotland for clues to Mars’ ancient past

NASA says Perseverance found greenish “reduction spots” on Mars. Similar spots can be formed by microbes on Earth, prompting its scientists to investigate in Scotland.

2 Sources, 21d ago, first seen 21d ago

Science

Amoeba reportedly sets complex life’s heat record by reproducing at 145°F

NASA says the “fire amoeba” has ways to protect its DNA, proteins and cell membranes against extreme heat. Studying those defenses could help scientists understand where life might endure on other worlds.

1 Source, 25d ago, first seen 25d ago

Science

‘Fire amoeba’ reportedly reproduces at 63°C, setting a heat record for complex life

NDTV Profit reports that the amoeba was found in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park. NASA says the discovery could broaden the search for habitable worlds.

45 Sources, 13d ago, updated 13d ago

Science

NASA’s lunar orbiter spots the 141-foot-deep McGetchin crater

NASA says a rock as big as a six-story building created the new Moon crater, which is wider than the length of two football fields.

3 Sources, 34d ago, first seen 34d ago

An aerial view of a lunar crater. A bright, circular impact crater sits in the center of a dark, cratered surface, with white rays of ejected lunar material radiating outwards in all directions, creating a stark contrast against the gray terrain.

Science

NASA field-tests two rovers and a drone working together with AI

NASA says researchers assessed whether the three-robot fleet could act as an independent science team while exploring its surroundings.

1 Source, 35d ago, first seen 35d ago

Featured in

NASA's Bennu asteroid samples contain ribose and glucose, supporting prebiotic chemistry

Psyche and Europa Clipper launched with the same rocket side boosters

NASA's DAVINCI Venus probe model survives six furnace cycles to 869°F

NASA scientists head to Scotland for clues to Mars’ ancient past

Amoeba reportedly sets complex life’s heat record by reproducing at 145°F

‘Fire amoeba’ reportedly reproduces at 63°C, setting a heat record for complex life

NASA’s lunar orbiter spots the 141-foot-deep McGetchin crater

NASA field-tests two rovers and a drone working together with AI

Featured in

NASA's Bennu asteroid samples contain ribose and glucose, supporting prebiotic chemistry

Psyche and Europa Clipper launched with the same rocket side boosters

NASA's DAVINCI Venus probe model survives six furnace cycles to 869°F

NASA scientists head to Scotland for clues to Mars’ ancient past

Amoeba reportedly sets complex life’s heat record by reproducing at 145°F

‘Fire amoeba’ reportedly reproduces at 63°C, setting a heat record for complex life

NASA’s lunar orbiter spots the 141-foot-deep McGetchin crater

NASA field-tests two rovers and a drone working together with AI