Harry Baker

1 across : Chemical element represented as "Xe" on the periodic table (5) Need a hint? 2 down : When a plant or animal species is at a high risk of extinction (10)

Live Science sat down with the European Space Agency's Simonetta Cheli to discuss the importance of Earth observation, how NASA budget cuts have changed the picture, and how the proliferation of private satellites could hinder our ability to view the planet.

The head of ESA's Earth observation program tells Live Science why a striking image of a recent heat wave scorching Southern Europe gives her hope that we can properly monitor ‪— and eventually prevent ‪— similar extreme weather events in the future.

The head of ESA's Earth observation program tells Live Science why a striking image of a recent heat wave scorching Southern Europe gives her hope that we can properly monitor ‪— and eventually prevent ‪— similar extreme weather events in the future.

The Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission, which launched from Japan on Oct. 19, is on its way to Mars. When it arrives, the probe will attempt to land on one of the Red Planet's twin moons and scoop up rocks to bring back to Earth. Experts tell Live Science what these "transformative" samples could teach us.

The Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission, which launched from Japan on Oct. 19, is on its way to Mars. When it arrives, the probe will attempt to land on one of the Red Planet's twin moons and scoop up rocks to bring back to Earth. Experts tell Live Science what these "transformative" samples could teach us.

1 across : The most common acid in "acid rain" (8) Need a hint? 1 down : The only infectious disease that has officially been eradicated in humans (8)

A 2016 satellite photo shows Hurricane Madeline and Hurricane Lester heading straight at Hawaii's Big Island. When viewed from above, the twin cyclones and the surrounding clouds look eerily like a giant smiley face.

This eye-catching satellite snap from a decade ago shows a pair of hurricanes barreling toward Hawaii.

The Defense Intelligence Agency's latest "Challenges to Security in Space" report included a declassified satellite photo of China's Shenlong, or "divine dragon," space plane, which has released at least nine mysterious payloads into low Earth orbit since 2022.