Powerful winds sweep across the Earth every day, bending trees, stirring oceans, and sometimes tearing through cities. But what fuels powerful winds? Answers from a weather scientist show us it’s not magic—it’s pure science. These intense air movements begin with simple but mighty causes in our atmosphere. In the United States, they can shape daily … Read more
What Is the Spring Triangle? The Spring Triangle is a large, bright triangle of stars that becomes visible in the eastern sky during spring nights in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not a constellation, but an asterism—a recognizable pattern made from stars belonging to different constellations. The triangle is formed by three famous stars: Arcturus, Spica, … Read more
What Was the Mysterious Blue Spiral? On the evening of March 24, 2025, a mysterious blue spiral appeared in the skies over Europe, captivating observers across the continent. From the United Kingdom to Poland, stargazers witnessed a glowing, swirling pattern that lingered for several minutes before fading away. The phenomenon sparked widespread speculation and awe, … Read more
New technologies are reshaping how buildings are made in the United States. One of the most exciting innovations is a coral-inspired building material that can sequester carbon dioxide. This means it can trap CO₂ from the air and lock it away, just like natural coral does in the ocean. Scientists and engineers are now copying … Read more
How Did Iguanas End Up in the Remote Islands of Fiji? Millions of years ago, iguanas made an incredible journey across the Pacific Ocean. They traveled over 5,000 miles from North America to the remote islands of Fiji, likely by floating on natural rafts made of vegetation. This remarkable voyage is considered the longest known … Read more
The space race is no longer just about discovery—it’s now about defense. As Earth’s orbit becomes more crowded, new risks are rising fast. Space pirates already have their sights set on the ‘high seas’ of Earth orbit, targeting satellites and systems we rely on daily. This threat isn’t far-off fiction. Cyberattacks, satellite hijackings, and military-grade … Read more
What Are Hypersonic Weapons and Why Do They Matter? Hypersonic weapons travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, or over 3,800 mph. Unlike traditional missiles, they can maneuver mid-flight, making them difficult to detect and intercept. This combination of speed and agility poses a significant challenge to existing defense systems. The U.S. has been developing hypersonic … Read more
A sunrise partial solar eclipse is a breathtaking show. (Image credit: John Fader via Getty Images) Have you ever seen the Sun sprout horns? On March 29, 2025, early risers in select parts of North America will witness a rare celestial spectacle: the “solar horns.” This phenomenon occurs during a partial solar eclipse, where the … Read more
solar system, exoplanets, planetary formation, astronomyThe Kepler-11 system, as imagined from above, is a “peas-in-a-pod” planetary system. Credit: NASA For decades, astronomers thought our solar system was special. They believed it was a unique mix of planets and orbits, different from everything else in the universe. However, recent studies suggest that our celestial neighborhood might … Read more
A Stellar Tribute with a Historical Oversight Did you know that Barbie ventured into space before humans set foot on the Moon? In 1965, Mattel introduced the Miss Astronaut Barbie, showcasing a vision of women in space exploration. Now, six decades later, the 60th Anniversary of Miss Astronaut Barbie commemorates this pioneering spirit. However, amidst … Read more