Best space pictures of the month: January 2023

A sample depot on Mars and a stunning green comet top this month's space highlights.

20h

By Jove! (Literally)

Jupiter’s moons have always been exciting to explore, and a new era of Jovian moon research is about to begin.

4d

How JWST confirmed its first exoplanet and opened a new frontier

JWST's observations of the exoplanet LHS 475 b have demonstrated the space telescope's abilities in the realm of rocky exoplanet research.

5d

What to expect from Juno's Io flybys, and why a proposed mission there would tell us more

NASA's Juno spacecraft will spend 2023 flying closer and closer to Jupiter's moon Io.

1w

I spy with my technologically enhanced eye

Seeing more with infrared cameras, radar telescopes, and good old-fashioned artistic instincts.

2w

Tianwen-2: China’s Near-Earth asteroid and comet double-header

China is gearing up for an ambitious combined mission to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid, deliver the material to Earth, and then head off back into deep space to study a comet.

2w

Extraterrestrial frosts

Frost happens throughout the Solar System, creating beautiful views. Learn why and check out the latest in space news.

3w

Here are some of our favorite LightSail 2 pictures

LightSail 2 captured numerous images to help the mission team monitor the sail and showcase the beauty of solar sailing.

3w

Worthy goals for a lifelong love of space

Our new list of Space Life Goals will help inspire your passion for space. Catch up on this week’s space news, and tick off a few goals while you’re at it.

4w

How to see Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF)

Everything you need to know about Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF) or the "Green comet," which is making its first approach to Earth in 50,000 years.

4w