Exploration of Mars

An artist's concept of NASA's MAVEN spacecraft approaching Mars. The probe entered Mars orbit on September 21.

A NASA spacecraft reaches Mars just in time to see an unexpected guest

October 1, 2014Science

NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft set out 10 months ago to study the atmosphere of Mars. Now it has arrived — and a happy celestial coincidence may offer it a two-for-one opportunity to study a comet that will pass close by.

Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!

We respect your time, attention and privacy

This is a news website, not a click casino. We do NOT employ deceptive behaviors, display annoying ads or use third party cookies and trackers to monetize your visit or help advertisers track you across the internet.

Simply, we ask that you would consider a donation to support the journalism we produce every weekday. Thank you.

This is The World

The World is a public radio program and podcast that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.

Follow The World

Subscribe to The World’s Latest Edition podcast for free using your favorite podcast player: