Planetary science in the United States has seen significant activity and emerging milestones in recent days, reflecting both the scientific ambitions and collaborative spirit of the field. NASA’s latest space-based observatory, the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, known as SPHEREx, has officially begun its primary science mission as of May first, according to NASA. Launched in March of this year, the SPHEREx space telescope aims to map the entire sky in unprecedented detail, taking approximately three thousand six hundred images each day for the next two years. Its primary goal is to chart the positions of hundreds of millions of galaxies in three dimensions, helping scientists answer fundamental questions about the origins of the universe, the formation of galaxies, and the distribution of ingredients necessary for life. The mission is being hailed as a pivotal component of NASA’s suite of cosmic survey projects, especially as it complements the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Astronomers and the general public alike have also been enjoying notable sky events. According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, early May has brought together Mars and Jupiter for evening viewing, with Mars lingering for hours after sunset while Jupiter sets earlier each evening. A striking sight occurred as the first quarter Moon appeared adjacent to Mars in the western sky on May third. In the mornings, Venus and Saturn are visible in close proximity, gradually moving apart through the month. The Moon is set to join them before dawn late in May, offering another striking celestial gathering.

Another annual highlight, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, originating from debris left by Halley’s Comet, is peaking in early May. These meteors are known for their speed and for leaving persistent dust trains visible for seconds after the meteor’s initial streak. Observers in the United States and globally have favorable conditions to watch this event, which connects current planetary science directly to historic cometary activity.

A sense of ongoing celebration and future discovery was also reflected during National Space Day on May second. The occasion was marked by agencies like the United States Space Force, which spotlighted the innovative achievements and collaborations that drive American planetary science forward. These developments point toward a pattern of increasing technical sophistication, collaborative data sharing, and public engagement. Globally, planetary science continues to benefit from both American leadership in missions and an openness to international contribution, promising a new era of discovery about the planets within and far beyond our solar system.