Astrogeology Science Center
News
Guiding Rovers for Safe Mars Exploration
Billions of dollars and a decade worth of research are on the line in the instant that a spacecraft touches down on Mars. When deciding where to land on the planet’s rocky surface, it is essential to analyze potential landing sites and their surface characteristics.
New USGS Maps of Mars Reveal Ancient Oases
A new set of high-resolution geologic maps reveal complex geologic processes that suggest a dynamic, wet environment once existed on early Mars, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Launch Day Celebration For Space Racers New Season Premiere On Sprout
Kids can visit the USGS Astrogeology Science Center before Nov. 6 for a chance to win an annual membership or a trip to U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Space Camp.
Water Detected on Largest Metallic Asteroid in Solar System
Scientists have discovered possible evidence for water-rich minerals on the surface of the largest metallic asteroid in the solar system, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey and NASA.
Understanding How Jupiter’s Volcanic Moon Creates Mountains
Mountains on Io, Jupiter’s volcanic moon, are formed by a unique geologic mechanism not found elsewhere in the solar system, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
First Global Topographic Map of Mercury Released
The first topographic map of Mercury was released today by the U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona State University, Carnegie Institute of Washington, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA.
New USGS Map of Mars is Most Detailed One Yet
The U.S. Geological Survey released its highest-resolution geologic map of Mars today, and it is the most detailed representation of the Red Planet to date