Planetary science Research update ‘Plutoids’: the new name for Pluto-like dwarf planets IAU decides on sub-classification that will include larger sibling Eris Read article: ‘Plutoids’: the new name for Pluto-like dwarf planets
Telescopes and space missions Research update Fastest supercomputer overtaken by Roadrunner US machine will be used initially to model cosmology, astrophysics and the climate
Telescopes and space missions Research update Phoenix reveals Martian permafrost NASA spacecraft touches down on the red planet after nine-month journey Read article: Phoenix reveals Martian permafrost
Telescopes and space missions Research update Gravity Probe B comes last in NASA review Panel recommendation is to cut funding of mission by September
Telescopes and space missions Research update Auroral light is polarized after all New measurements of the Northern Lights overturn 50 years of conventional wisdom Read article: Auroral light is polarized after all
Telescopes and space missions Research update John Wheeler: 1911-2008 Giant of physics who gave black holes their name dies at 96 Read article: John Wheeler: 1911-2008
Telescopes and space missions Research update Astronomers pinpoint source of slow solar wind Colliding magnetic fields believed to eject particles from the Sun
Telescopes and space missions Research update NASA science director quits Alan Stern gives no reason for leaving role Read article: NASA science director quits
Telescopes and space missions Research update Alpha Centauri might harbour an ‘Earth’ Astronomers set to begin five-year search Read article: Alpha Centauri might harbour an ‘Earth’
Planetary science Research update Doubt cast on liquid water on Mars 2006 images were probably of a small landslide, say researchers Read article: Doubt cast on liquid water on Mars
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