NASA Science
NASA Science seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space.
34th anniversary
Monitor earth and Space weatheR
May 6-10
Welcome to our NASA Science website
A gateway to our missions, research, and engagement efforts.
The Science Mission Directorate inspires the learners of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow. One of our key strategies is to purposefully and actively engage with audiences and learners of all ages to share the story of NASA’s integrated science program. From exoplanet research to better understanding Earth’s climate to understanding the influence of the sun on our planet and the solar system, our work is interdisciplinary and collaborative. Similarly, this website showcases our work in a crosscutting way so that we may build stronger connections with you, our most important stakeholder. Together, we lead a globally interconnected program of scientific discovery that encourages innovation, positively impacts people’s lives, and is a source of inspiration.
Read Nicky NotesFeatured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
GOES-U
Launch is targeted for June 25, 2024. GOES-U will provide advanced detection and monitoring of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property, and the nation’s economic health.
Europa Clipper
Launching in October 2024, Europa Clipper’s main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, that could support life.
VIPER
VIPER launches late 2024 and will be NASA's first robotic Moon rover to measure the location and concentration of water ice and other resources. These resources could eventually be harvested to sustain human exploration on the Moon, Mars — and beyond!
It's Black Hole Week!
Dive into the cosmic abyss during Black Hole Week, May 6-10, as we unravel the mysteries of these celestial phenomena.
Learn MoreJoin the Search for Life
Want to help answer some of humanity's biggest questions? Our graphic novel,"Becoming an Astrobiologist" is your step-by-step guide! Download this comic-book-style guide to explore different paths for contributing to NASA's search for life, from what to study in school to career tracks.
Download the graphic novelIt’s Time to Change Hubble’s Clock
Remember that Y2K thing a few years ago? Well, it turns out Hubble has something similar, only Hubble’s clock restarts every 6,213 days, 18 hours, 48 minutes, and 31.875 seconds. Or roughly every 17 years for those of you who like counting. That’s because Hubble’s computers have a different way of tracking time than we have here on the ground. You’d think it would be as simple as synching our ground clocks with Hubble’s personal timepiece, but you’d be surprised!
Learn More about HubbleBy the Numbers
Science is interconnected; no important question stands alone. The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is an organization where discoveries in one scientific discipline have a direct route to other areas of study. This flow is something extremely valuable and is rare in the scientific world.
Learn More about NASA ScienceNew NASA Black Hole Visualization Takes Viewers Beyond the Brink
Ever wonder what happens when you fall into a black hole? Now, thanks to a new, immersive visualization produced on…
Read the StoryExplore our changing planet
Earth is our home, shared with millions of species. Rapid changes like rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather are transforming our planet. For over 50 years, observations from space and ground have monitored these changes, guiding critical decisions in areas like agriculture and air quality. By understanding how our actions affect Earth's systems, we can help mitigate these impacts. Discover more about how you can make a difference in safeguarding our planet.
Visit the Earth Information CenterThe Sun and Heliophysics
NASA studies the star at the center of our solar system and its influence on space, Earth, and our solar system. This research helps us to not only understand how the universe works, but also protect our technology and astronauts in space.
Learn More