Q&A: The first asteroid sample returned to Earth
On Sunday morning, a capsule the size of a mini-fridge dropped from the skies over western Utah, carrying a first-of-its-kind package: about 250 grams of dirt and dust plucked from the surface of an asteroid. As a candy-striped parachute billowed ope.....»»
"The nastiest soils on Earth" are getting recognized as a bigger problem
Acid sulfate soils are characterized by their orange hue and their tendency to kill surrounding vegetation and fish. Anders Johnson's extensive research along Sweden's coastline reveals the widespread presence of these soils, underscoring their signi.....»»
Testing thousands of RNA enzymes helps find first "twister ribozyme" in mammals
The "RNA world" hypothesis proposes that the earliest life on Earth may have been based on RNA—a single-stranded molecule similar in many ways to DNA—like some modern viruses. This is because, like DNA, RNA can carry genetic information, but, lik.....»»
Earth underwent a massive, rapid melting period after the last global ice age, new study suggests
At the end of the last global ice age, the deep-frozen Earth reached a built-in limit of climate change and thawed into a slushy planet. Results from a Virginia Tech-led study provide the first direct geochemical evidence of the slushy planet—other.....»»
Next-generation space materials blast off for tests on ISS
A new generation of space materials left Earth on November 5 as they head to the International Space Station (ISS) to undergo testing in the brutal conditions of low Earth orbit......»»
Moon waves goodbye to Hera
As ESA's Hera mission for planetary defense departed its homeworld, it looked back to Earth to show the moon orbiting around it. In this sequence of images the terrestrial disk gradually shrinks as the spacecraft recedes away from it, and the moon mo.....»»
Portal to the past: Geologist identifies metamorphic rock as a crucial feature of the ancient Earth"s carbon cycle
If Earth's history were a calendar year, humans would not appear until the last few minutes before midnight on Dec. 31. During the Proterozoic Eon—2.5 billion years to 543 million years ago—the sun was still a young star, much dimmer than today,.....»»
Apophis: A new European space mission could get up close with a large asteroid that"s set to brush by Earth
The European Space Agency has given the go-ahead for initial work on a mission to visit an asteroid called (99942) Apophis. If approved at a key meeting next year, the robotic spacecraft, known as the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses),.....»»
China space station crew returns to Earth after 6 months in space
Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Monday after a six-month stay on the Tiangong space station, part of China's effort to be a global leader in space exploration......»»
Chinese space station crew returns after six months in orbit
A three-person Chinese crew returned to Earth early Monday after more than six months aboard the Tiangong space station, state news agency Xinhua reported......»»
Geodynamic mantle-flow model explains deformation of continental crust block in North China
Cratons are fascinating yet enigmatic geological formations. Known to be relatively stable portions of the Earth's continental crust, cratons have remained largely unchanged for billions of years. Although cratons have survived many geological events.....»»
Report reveals how the state of our oceans is intrinsically linked to human health
A study published in the journal One Earth explores how marine biodiversity conservation, human health and well-being are connected. The results suggest that marine protected areas can be good for both planet and people......»»
Sun Blasts Strong M9.8-Class Flare CME Earth-Directed
Sun Blasts Strong M9.8-Class Flare CME Earth-Directed.....»»
Earth"s climate will keep changing long after humanity hits net-zero emissions. Our research shows why
The world is striving to reach net-zero emissions as we try to ward off dangerous global warming. But will getting to net-zero actually avert climate instability, as many assume?.....»»
This is what it sounds like when the Earth"s poles flip
Is there something strange and alien confined deep inside the Earth? Is it trying to break free and escape into the heavens? No, of course not......»»
How Superman Helped Launch the Hubble Space Telescope
Long before it orbited Earth, the Hubble Space Telescope starred in a famous Superman comic.....»»
Sols 4350-4351: A whole team effort
Earth planning date: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.....»»
Voyager 1 is alive: NASA spacecraft reawakens 15 billion miles away from Earth
Voyager 1 is alive: NASA spacecraft reawakens 15 billion miles away from Earth.....»»
Earth is racing toward climate conditions that collapsed key Atlantic currents before the last ice age, study finds
Earth is racing toward climate conditions that collapsed key Atlantic currents before the last ice age, study finds.....»»
Researchers seek understanding of early life on earth following Chilean expedition
In a discovery that may further our understanding of the early evolution of life on Earth, a research team, including associate professor Andrew Palmer and master's student Caitlyn Hubric, identified Chile's deepest and most northern cold seeps—ope.....»»
6 of the coolest upcoming indie games at SXSW Sydney 2024
Here are some of the coolest indie games shown at SXSW Sydney, including "Demonschool," "Dungeon Inn," and "Winter Burrow." SXSW Sydney returned this month, bringing the tech, film, music, and games festival back to Australia for its second yea.....»»