Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Mars
SpaceX launches 11th Starship megarocket test
SpaceX on Monday launched its 11th test flight of the Starship megarocket, moving the company one step closer to its goal of bringing humans back to the moon and eventually to Mars. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport has more.
Interstellar comet passing by Mars seen in rare images
The images taken by two Mars orbiters show a bright, fuzzy white dot of the comet, also known as 3I/ATLAS, appearing to move against a backdrop of distant stars.
NASA introduces 10 new astronaut candidates
The new selection of NASA astronauts will spend two years in training before becoming eligible for flight assignments.
The significance of Mars rover's latest discovery
This week, NASA said scientists took the biggest step yet toward discovering whether there was ever life on Mars when a rock sample collected by the Mars rover Perseverance contained potential biosignatures, which could suggest ancient signs of life. Douglas Jerolmack, a professor of Earth and environmental science at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the significance of the discovery.
Mars rover uncovers strongest hints yet of potential signs of ancient life
NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has uncovered rocks in a dry river channel that may hold potential signs of ancient microscopic life.
Mars rocks may hold signs of ancient life
NASA's Mars rover Perseverance has uncovered rocks in a dry river channel that may hold potential signs of ancient microscopic life, according to scientists. Mark Strassmann reports.
New way to detect signs of life on Mars
Scientists have a new way to detect signs of life on Mars through an already-existing instrument called a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. Derrick Pitts, the chief astronomer and planetarium director at the Franklin Institute, joins with more.
Niger wants answers after largest piece of Mars sold for $5.3 million
The government of Niger has launched an investigation into what they call possible "illicit international trafficking" after a piece of Mars unearthed in the Sahara Desert was sold.
Americans on space race support
Sunday marks the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission -- the first to land humans on the moon. Now, NASA is in a multiyear effort to return astronauts to the moon starting in 2026, with an eye toward a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.
Piece of Mars sells at auction
NWA 16788, the largest piece of Mars on Earth, fetched $5.3 million at auction. Franklin Institute chief astronomer and planetarium director Derrick Pitts joins CBS News with more.
Largest piece of Mars on Earth sells for nearly $5.3 million at auction
A 54-pound meteorite from Mars sold for more than $5 million when it went up for auction on Wednesday at Sotheby's.
Mars rock could fetch millions at auction
A piece of Mars is going up for auction this week, and it could go for as much as $4 million.
First close-up images of Mars ridges show "dramatic evidence" of water
The new images by the Curiosity rover on Mars show "dramatic evidence" of ancient groundwater in crisscrossing low ridges, NASA said.
A new class of future NASA astronauts graduates
On Friday, 13 men and women celebrated their completion of NASA's Artemis astronaut training program, and are now candidates for future missions, which could include a trip to the moon and possibly Mars. "CBS This Morning: Saturday" co-host Dana Jacobson spoke with one of the recent graduates about the journey he just completed, and about the amazing ones that could lie ahead.
NASA's Steve Clarke says we might see manned missions to Mars by late 2030
The Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration at NASA Steven Clark joins Margaret Brennan to discuss NASA's latest mission to Mars and the future of space exploration.
Mars volcano that dwarfs Earth's tallest ones seen in new image
It marks the first time Arsia Mons has been imaged on the planet's horizon, NASA said.
Mars beckons
Mankind has never been closer to setting foot on Mars. NASA is completing construction of its new Mars rover, in readiness for launching next summer, while SpaceX is firing prototypes of its Mars rocket engines, getting ready for short test flights in late 2020. David Pogue reports on the prognosis for manned exploration of the Red Planet, and how human endurance is being tested in a habitat constructed on the slopes of a Hawaiian volcano.
Preview: Mission to Mars
NASA's Mars 2020 mission, which launches for the Red Planet next summer, will feature not just a rover, but also a tiny helicopter that will detach and hover above the Martian surface. David Pogue talked with Mimi Aung, project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, in this preview of Pogue's report for "Sunday Morning" June 23.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on the next giant leap for mankind
As the founder, CEO and lead designer at SpaceX, a private company that makes rockets and spacecraft, Elon Musk envisions a time when his reusable rockets will bring people to the moon and Mars. He's focused on humans becoming a "multi-planet species," and on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, he speaks with Jeffrey Kluger (editor-at-large at Time magazine, and the co-author of "Apollo 13") about his vision for the future.
What a gold mine has to do with life on Mars
Belgian biologist Gaetan Borgonie found animal life 2 miles below the Earth's surface. He believes if life can exist there, it might exist on Mars.
Pence details plans to return to the moon before missions to Mars
In an interview with Major Garrett on "The Takeout," Vice President Mike Pence laid out the Trump administration's space policy, including planned missions to return to the moon and venture to Mars. The president, Pence said, "wants to send America on an unalterable trajectory to put astronauts on Mars." Find more of the interview on "The Takeout" podcast on Tuesday, July 23, 2019.
NASA's Mars Perseverance's snaps new selfie with a Martian dust devil
The latest selfie by NASA's Perseverance rover at Mars has captured an unexpected guest: a Martian dust devil.
Study suggests scientists were wrong about dark streaks on Mars
Slope streaks once believed to be signs of water on Mars might really be signs of rockfall and high winds, a new study says.
NASA rover captures giant dust devil devouring smaller one on Mars
The dust devil was about 210 feet wide, NASA said, but likely didn't last long after consuming the smaller whirlwind.
Partial government shutdown begins as funding lapses despite Senate deal
The Senate passed a deal on a package of spending bills late Friday, sending it to the House, though funding for dozens of government agencies has still lapsed.
Massive trove of Epstein files released, including 3 million documents and photos
The Justice Department released more new documents today from the Jeffrey Epstein files, more than a month after DOJ's original deadline to do so.
Catherine O'Hara, "Beetlejuice" and "Home Alone" star, dies at 71
Catherine O'Hara was best known for her comic performances in projects including "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and "Schitt's Creek."
Journalist Don Lemon appears in court following arrest over protest at Minnesota church
Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney said.
Venezuela's Machado: "I will be president when the time comes"
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado weighs in on her political future in a new interview with "Face the Nation."
What to know about the partial government shutdown as funding lapses for many agencies
Funding for many federal agencies expired on Saturday after Congress failed to pass half a dozen spending bills before the deadline, prompting a partial government shutdown.
"Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse convicted of sexual assault
A Nevada jury convicted "Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse of multiple charges of sexually assaulting a minor.
FBI now leading investigation into fatal shooting of Alex Pretti
The FBI is now leading the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota.
Trump announces IndyCar race will come to D.C. streets for America's 250th
President Trump announced that an IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, will be held through the streets of Washington, D.C., as part of America's 250th birthday celebrations.
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"Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse convicted of sexual assault
A Nevada jury convicted "Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse of multiple charges of sexually assaulting a minor.
Greg Biffle wasn't flying plane before crash that killed him and 6 others, NTSB says
Federal safety officials have concluded that retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was not flying his jet when it crashed last month in North Carolina, killing him and six others.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Exclusive
Nevada's first-in-the-nation primary bid gets boost from Latino Victory
Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina are vying to be the first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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What to know about the partial government shutdown as funding lapses for many agencies
Funding for many federal agencies expired on Saturday after Congress failed to pass half a dozen spending bills before the deadline, prompting a partial government shutdown.
Trump announces IndyCar race will come to D.C. streets for America's 250th
President Trump announced that an IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, will be held through the streets of Washington, D.C., as part of America's 250th birthday celebrations.
Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Venezuela's Machado: "I will be president when the time comes"
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado weighs in on her political future in a new interview with "Face the Nation."
Exclusive
Nevada's first-in-the-nation primary bid gets boost from Latino Victory
Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina are vying to be the first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries.
HealthWatch
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Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
Life expectancy in U.S. hit record high of 79 years in 2024, CDC says
U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 - the highest mark in American history. But the U.S. still ranks below dozens of other countries.
Gerber recalls some arrowroot biscuits over potential plastic, paper pieces
The recall affects several batches of the 5.5-ounce Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits, the FDA said.
South Carolina measles outbreak now larger than Texas' in 2025, new data shows
South Carolina's measles outbreak has grown to include 789 cases. A West Texas outbreak last year sickened 762 people.
World
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Iranians are anxious, but some hope Trump will "fulfill his promise"
Many people in Tehran and Tel Aviv are worried that Trump will make good on his threats to attack Iran again, but for some, it's fear laced with hope.
Son of Norway crown princess to stand trial for allegedly raping 4 women
Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with a total of 38 counts.
Shark kills 13-year-old boy at popular beach in Brazil
Dozens of beaches along the turquoise coastlines of Pernambuco have been issued with shark warnings, authorities said.
Quieter night in Ukraine as Trump says Putin agreed to pause strikes
Zelenskyy says Ukraine will "take corresponding steps" as Trump says Putin agreed to stop bombing Ukrainian cities for a week.
Remains, jacket found over 2 years after woman vanished in wilderness
Human remains and clothing were found while searching for Belgian national Celine Cremer, who went missing in 2023 in Tasmania, police said.
Entertainment
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Catherine O'Hara, "Beetlejuice" and "Home Alone" star, dies at 71
Catherine O'Hara was best known for her comic performances in projects including "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and "Schitt's Creek."
UFC 325 fights go down tomorrow night. See when it starts, who's on the card and where to watch.
Alexander Volkanovski faces Diego Lopes in the UFC 325 main event on what's expected to be an action-packed fight card.
KATSEYE reflects on success and what's next
In just two years, KATSEYE has gone from a Netflix reality competition show to top of the charts, collecting a VMA and two Grammy nominations along the way. The group talks about their journey together in the music industry and what they hope for in the future.
Designer brings life to Grammy red carpet
The nominees and performers for the Grammy Awards will walk the red carpet on Sunday - with flashing camera lights, celebrity interviews and floral designs. Botanical artist Tu Bloom has been the designer behind the red carpet flowers for nearly two decades. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about his design for this year's red carpet and what drew him to his profession.
Behind-the-scenes look ahead of the Grammys
Final preparations are underway for the Grammys, which air on Sunday on CBS. Music's biggest night could be historic for multiple artists. Anthony Mason got an inside look.
Technology
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Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
TikTok's new privacy policy is sparking a backlash. Here's what to know.
Some TikTok users are raising questions about the app's new terms and conditions after the social media platform's split from its China-based parent.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
DOJ releases new batch of Epstein files
The Justice Department is releasing more than 3 million pages related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports. Then, journalist Barry Levine, who has covered Epstein for years, joins with analysis.
Don Lemon's attorney reacts to his arrest
Independent journalist Don Lemon has been arrested in Los Angeles and faces two federal charges, a source tells CBS News. Anna Schecter has more.
DOJ releases more Epstein files
The Justice Department released more than 3 million pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. CBS News' Jake Rosen reports.
Judge on Luigi Mangione facing death penalty
A federal judge has ruled on evidence that can be used in Luigi Mangione's case and determined he will not face the death penalty if convicted. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
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NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Strikes across the U.S. to protest ICE
Crowds gathered across the U.S. on Friday to protest immigration enforcement actions. Thousands have taken to the streets in Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and beyond as activists call for a nationwide strike to protest ICE. CBS News' Ian Lee reports on protests in Minneapolis.
Don Lemon arrested after covering church protest
Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles, his attorney and multiple sources with direct knowledge told CBS News. The arrest comes nearly two weeks after Lemon was at an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a service at a church in Minnesota. Matt Gutman reports.
What's holding up the funding bill?
Senate Democrats struck a deal with the White House late Thursday on a funding deal ahead of the government shutdown deadline, but the upper chamber has yet to hold a vote to pass the package. CBS News' Nikole Killion has the latest.
He saved a snowball for 50 years after a snow day
As snow days sweep the country, one man's fond memories of one in 1976 led to a frozen heirloom decades in the making. Steve Hartman has the story in "On the Road."
Rookie cop saves 2 choking babies within months
A rookie cop in New York City faced not one, but two life or death tests of his police academy training. As Tony Dokoupil reports, he passed them both.