Super Mario Galaxy spoilers ahead.

We now have some details on the story driving Super Mario Galaxy, due out in North America on November 12th. Mario, Peach, and the rest of the gang have gotten together to watch and celebrate the passing of a comet through the night sky, which apparently only happens once a century. During the get-together, however, Bowser comes in and kidnaps Princess Peach, leaving Mario unconscious after an unsuccessful rescue attempt.

Mario wakes up on a mysterious meteor out in space, where he meets Princess Rosetta for the first time. Rosetta comes to Mario asking for his help, and it is from here that Mario begins his journey across the stars. Mario will travel among 40 galaxies/levels spread out over six large zones. He will have the aid of various power ups, from the already announced Bee Suit and Boo items, to the classic Fire Flower and Super Star that turn our hero into Fire Mario and invincible, respectively. For those keeping track, this will be the first time these items will be making their appearance (with their original functions) in a 3D Mario platformer.

CVG
via The Tanooki Forums