Stories by David Grinspoon

David Grinspoon is a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Ariz. In 2012 and 2013 he served as the U.S. Library of Congress's first chair of astrobiology while researching his book Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet's Future (Grand Central, 2016). Credit: Nick Higgins

Space & Physics

Is There Really Life on Venus? There’s Only One Way to Know for Sure

If phosphine detected on the planet next door is really a signature of alien biology, we can send a space probe to find out...

September 26, 2020 — David Grinspoon | Opinion

Space & Physics

Pluto Is Far in the Rearview. Next Stop: Ultima Thule

NASA’s New Horizons is poised to arrive at the most distant object ever seen up close—and there could be more to come

December 27, 2018 — David Grinspoon

Evolution

Can Humans Outsmart Extinction?

If we do it right, we could become a long-term stabilizing force for the planet

September 7, 2016 — David Grinspoon

Space & Physics

Making Tracks on Mars

At last, some form of intelligence is altering the dusty face of our neighboring world

October 24, 2005 — David Grinspoon