Space storms could soon be forecast with greater accuracy than ever before thanks to a big leap forward in our understanding of exactly when a violent solar eruption may hit Earth. Space storms could soon be forecast with greater accuracy than ever before thanks to a big leap forward in our understanding of exactly when a…
Thirty years ago, on 16 July 1994, astronomers watched in awe as the first of many pieces of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet slammed into Jupiter with incredible force. The event sparked intense interest in the field of planetary defense as people asked: “Could we do anything to prevent this happening to Earth?” Thirty years ago, on…
Lunar exploration equipment at any future lunar base is in danger from debris blasted toward it by subsequent lunar landers. This danger isn’t just theoretical—Surveyor III was a lander during the Apollo era that was damaged by Apollo 12’s descent rocket and returned to Earth for closer examination. Lunar exploration equipment at any future lunar base…
Because of interactions with Earth’s hot mantle, water-logged oceanic plates release water as they slide beneath less dense overriding plates in subduction zones. This water rises and hydrates the mantle above it, contributing to the formation of volcanoes at the surface and limiting the maximum depths of damaging earthquakes. Because of interactions with Earth’s hot mantle,…
The intricate leaf design of Guam’s Serianthes nelsonii tree was used as a model to contribute to the global goal of understanding how a plant leaf functions, and the results were published in the March issue of the journal Nitrogen. The intricate leaf design of Guam’s Serianthes nelsonii tree was used as a model to contribute…
Scientists at the Institute of Applied Ecology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding why Korean pine trees are struggling to regenerate naturally in certain forests. These broad-leaf Korean pine forests are vital for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and maintaining healthy ecosystems in northeast China. Scientists at the Institute…
U.S. cases of bird flu have been relatively mild and limited to farm workers who handled sick animals – a sign the virus may not be well suited to infecting humans in its current state. U.S. cases of bird flu have been relatively mild and limited to farm workers who handled sick animals – a sign…
Material from the moon’s far side collected by China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft could solve a long-standing lunar mystery Material from the moon’s far side collected by China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft could solve a long-standing lunar mystery Scientific American Content: Global
The Seine will be the stage for the Paris 2024 Olympics’ Opening Ceremony—and for its marathon swimming events. But this urban waterway is challenging to keep clean. The Seine will be the stage for the Paris 2024 Olympics’ Opening Ceremony—and for its marathon swimming events. But this urban waterway is challenging to keep clean. Scientific American…
The brain’s appetite for a good scratch is insatiable, and scientists are starting to understand why. The brain’s appetite for a good scratch is insatiable, and scientists are starting to understand why. Health All Articles | Discover Magazine