Our Planet - Page 2 of 25 - Earth Discover

Artist's depiction of a deployable habitat (including an airlock) and a pressurized rover that could potentially be used in the initial human mission to Mars, expected to take place in the 2030s, 2040s, or 2050s.

~2050: The Quest for Martian Settlements – Exploring the Red Planet

Mars, with its Earth-like qualities, represents the next frontier for human exploration, potentially leading to settlements by the 2050s driven by our innate desire to explore and expand

Main image: A scaled trajectory plot depicting the positions of Earth, the Moon, and the anticipated path of the near-Earth asteroid 99942 Apophis during its close approach on April 13, 2029. Inset: A close-up view highlighting the proximity of Apophis to Earth (the white bar represents the trajectory uncertainty).

2029: The Close Encounter of Asteroid 99942 Apophis

Asteroid 99942 Apophis, initially posing a significant collision risk with Earth in 2029, has been reassessed as a near miss, highlighting the importance of asteroid monitoring

Top: A glimpse of the solar corona (the Sun's outer atmosphere) as seen from Madras, Oregon, during the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Bottom: The path traced by the Moon's shadow as it moved across the United States during the same total solar eclipse.

2017: The Great American Solar Eclipse

The 2017 North American Solar Eclipse was a rare and educational celestial event that captivated millions and offered invaluable insights into the Sun's corona

NASA astronauts and twin brothers Mark (left) and Scott (right) Kelly participating in a groundbreaking 2016 medical study on the effects of extended spaceflight on the human body.

2016: The Kelly Twins Study – Insights into Long-Duration Space Travel

NASA's Twins Study on Scott and Mark Kelly reveals crucial insights into the physiological effects of long-duration space travel, including unexpected DNA changes

A 1942 photo showing smoke billowing from a US World War II production factory.

2013: The Climatic Impact of Rising Atmospheric CO2 Levels

Atmospheric CO2 levels have soared since the Industrial Revolution, exceeding 400 ppm and causing a significant rise in Earth's temperature, thereby accentuating climate change concerns

A 2008 photo showcasing typical savanna terrain in Kiang West National Park, The Gambia, West Africa.

2013: The Dynamic Ecosystem of Savannas – Between Grasslands and Woodlands

Savannas, blending grasslands with sparse woodlands, host diverse species and play a crucial role in ecosystems and economies, warranting sustainable management and conservation

A NASA RADARSAT image of the surface of Antarctica's Lake Vostok, depicted as the smooth area in the center. Satellite radar signals can penetrate through over 12,000 feet (3650 meters) of ice and snow to reveal the concealed lake beneath.

2012: Exploring the Mysteries of Lake Vostok Under Antarctic Ice

Lake Vostok, a subglacial lake beneath Antarctica's ice, offers insights into ancient ecosystems and raises questions about life in extreme environments

A 2013 photo showcasing deciduous beech trees in William Penn State Forest, Pennsylvania, adorned with vibrant fall foliage.

2011: The Beauty and Ecology of Temperate Deciduous Forests

Temperate deciduous forests, marked by their seasonal leaf shedding and vibrant autumn colors, play a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna

A segment of the Bang Na Expressway bridge in Thailand, which spans 33 miles (54 kilometers) and holds the title of the world's longest car bridge and the sixth-longest bridge overall.

2011: Evolution of Bridge Engineering – From Ancient to Modern Marvels

From ancient wood and stone to modern steel and cable designs, bridge engineering has evolved dramatically, leading to remarkable structures like the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Steam and ash cloud resulting from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland on April 17, 2010.

2010: The Global Impact of Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 Eruption

Eyjafjallajökull's 2010 eruption, though moderate on the VEI scale, had a significant global impact, disrupting air travel for millions and causing major economic losses, despite having no direct casualties