
Space is full of surprises, from tiny moons hiding around giant planets to distant exoplanets that might hold water. In this article, we’re taking a tour of some of the most fascinating discoveries in our solar system and beyond. Whether it’s Mercury’s mysterious past, Mars’ hints of ancient life, or the latest from the Webb and Hubble telescopes, there’s plenty to blow your mind.
#1: Mercury Might Have Once Been as Big as Earth
Mercury’s giant core and odd chemistry hint at a violent past. Some scientists think it was once Earth-sized before another planet smashed into it, stripping away most of its mass. What’s left is the small, hot world we see today. With huge temperature swings and a surprising magnetic field, Mercury might just be the solar system’s biggest planetary survivor.

