NASA announced a major reorganization. Administrator Jared Isaacman rolled out significant structural changes to NASA, which are not expected to result in any layoffs, facility closures, or canceled missions. They involve two mergers of mission directorates, the creation of a new Science Operations Center for science missions in extended operations, and recompeting the contract to manage the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the first time in nearly 50 years. Read more about the changes on our Save NASA Science action hub.

Asteroid impact sites could have fostered life on Earth — and beyond. Researchers have discovered stromatolites, a kind of rock mainly produced by ancient microbes, in an asteroid impact crater in South Korea. The findings hint that the asteroid impact that carved the crater might have made for the sort of temperate environment that is hospitable for early life. Since Mars once hosted impact craters full of water, too, they may be worth exploring for evidence of past life.

A base on the Moon just got a little closer. NASA awarded contracts for the first wave of landers and rovers that will assist the Artemis astronauts in building an eventual base near the south pole of the Moon. The agency also renamed a number of existing commercial lunar missions into a “Moon Base” mission program, while providing more details on the MoonFall drones that will help prepare for the base.

What would it be like to fly through Saturn’s rings? Our new article takes you on a tour through one of the Solar System’s most beautiful wonders, explaining the many ways it looks entirely different up close. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute

One of the oldest and largest amateur astronomy clubs turns 100. To celebrate, join Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed on this week’s episode as she attends the Los Angeles Astronomical Society’s centennial star party and speaks with some of its major figures, including Griffith Observatory Director Ed Krupp.

How will Artemis search for life? Last week, Society staff helped lead two events at the Astrobiology Science Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier led a discussion on “Astrobiology Strategy in the Age of Artemis,” while Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly held an event on communicating with the U.S. Congress.

Our book club goes live with “The Edge of Space-Time.” Join host Mat Kaplan for a live conversation with Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, author of “The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie,” as they explore the physics of the universe through popular culture and Black feminist thought. Members can join in the online member community at 9 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 2, and participate in the discussion. Not yet a member? Join today.

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