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![graphic showing four moon phases side by side, the first on the left is the new moon on July 5, then the first quarter moon on July 13, then the full moon July 21 and the third quarter moon on July 27.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qHBrHj5VQAqPqciq3ZGvsW-320-80.jpg)
What is the moon phase today? Lunar phases 2024
By Tariq Malik last updated
Reference See what moon phase it is tonight and find out when you can see the rest of the moon phases for 2024.
![1967: A model of Lunik 1 on display in Moscow. It was the first spacecraft used by the Russians to strike the moon. It was launched on the 2nd January 1959 but missed the moon by 6000 kilometres, it did however become the first artificial satellite to achieve solar orbit.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FtVyTMgoq7aPmEZyESPJg8-320-80.jpg)
How the CIA 'kidnapped' a Soviet moon probe during the space race
By Leonard David published
To gain insight on how the Soviet Union built moon-bound gear, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) carried out a covert spy job on a Soviet exhibit in 1959.
![A reddish rock appears cracked open. There are yellow sections within.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eQR7otcjq3UJ7XAZgSEYjb-320-80.png)
'An oasis in the desert': NASA's Curiosity rover finds pure sulfur in Martian rocks
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
NASA's Curiosity rover discovered a rare element on Mars after it drove over a rock and cracked it open.
![(Main) The sun which has an 11-year solar cycle (top right) Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) image of the big sunspot that occurred on 5 May 2024 (bottom right) a Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) image of the big sunspot that occurred on 5 May 2024 map shows which latitudes on the Sun were rotating faster (shown in red and yellow) or slower (shown in blue and green) than average over the last 29 years](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dG3VZVaZQ9appaXKEcDn9c-320-80.png)
The sun's next solar cycle has begun, 'starquakes' suggest
By Robert Lea published
Even though the sun's current solar cycle hasn't reached its peak yet, scientists have seen signs that the next 11-year solar cycle is already getting ready for its time to shine.
![A chalkboard background shows a drawing of a tblue/teal comet burning upward towared the right. In the to top right, a space.com 25 year anniversary logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LwNTG62uFDLzFL7CYtrYAj-320-80.jpg)
How to make a comet
By Elizabeth Fernandez published
Meta description: Learn how to make your very own comet with these cool NASA experiments.
![a chalkboard texture background features illustrations of stars, constellations, a sun, a rocket and a commet. in the to top right, a space.com 25 year anniversary logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QKGqsrsNHrU5Bwszr7k5Nf-320-80.jpg)
Learn about Space with these awesome NASA education videos
By Elizabeth Fernandez published
If you're looking for some great STEM education ideas, this collection of videos and experiments from NASA will blow your mind.
![A chalkboard background shows a drawing of a moon pass in front of a drawing of the sun.. In the to top right, a space.com 25 year anniversary logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pg7evBpQRccVpz5KCuniUd-320-80.jpg)
How to recreate a solar eclipse
By Elizabeth Fernandez published
You don't have to wait for the next solar eclipse to learn more about them, not when you can just make your own!
![A chalkboard background shows a drawing of a moon or round space body with a smattering of large craters. In the to top right, a space.com 25 year anniversary logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SzF92UauvQHP3hEF9LsUCQ-320-80.jpg)
Whip up a moon-like crater
By Elizabeth Fernandez published
Want to learn more about the moon and how craters are formed? This neat NASA experiment will take your learning to new heights.
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