Planet Earth
Earth is one big spinning mystery in a constant state of change. With more than 4.5 billion years of history locked inside a ball of molten rock and iron, our planet is made up of a vast array of geological wonders, carved by the oceans, shaped by the shifting plates beneath our feet and sculpted by weather across the surface.
Our team of expert science writers and editors are here to reveal our planet’s secrets — from the deepest depths of the ocean, through the coldest places on Earth to the very edge of space — keeping you up to date with the latest discoveries with planet Earth news, articles and features.
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Largest gold nugget ever found in England unearthed with faulty metal detector
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
A metal detectorist has unearthed a gold nugget that is currently up for auction and expected to sell for over $37,000.
Polar vortex is 'spinning backwards' above Arctic after major reversal event
By Harry Baker published
Earlier this month, a sudden atmospheric warming event caused the Arctic's polar vortex to reverse its trajectory. The swirling ring of cold air is now spinning in the wrong direction, which has triggered a record-breaking "ozone spike" and could impact global weather patterns.
The sea 'began to boil': Freak volcanic eruption of Santorini 1,300 years ago indicates huge blasts can occur during time of quiet
By Sascha Pare published
A giant layer of pumice and ash found buried underwater in the Santorini caldera indicates an eruption in A.D. 726 was much bigger than previously thought.
When were sea levels highest?
By Meg Duff published
Sea levels were extraordinarily high during the last period of the dinosaur age. But ocean levels may have been even higher before that.
Are kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts really all the same plant?
By Marlowe Starling published
Have you ever heard of the plant Brassica oleracea?
Iceland volcano: Gigantic plume of toxic gas from latest eruption is moving across Europe, satellite data shows
By Harry Baker published
A massive column of sulfur dioxide that was pumped out by the erupting volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula is currently traveling across northern Europe. Scientists are concerned it could impact the ozone layer.
2,000 earthquakes in 1 day off Canada coast suggest the ocean floor is ripping apart, scientists say
By Stephanie Pappas published
Record earthquake activity off the coast of Vancouver Island hints at the birth of new oceanic crust.
Iceland volcano: 'Most powerful' eruption yet narrowly misses Grindavik but could still trigger life-threatening toxic gas plume
By Harry Baker published
The submerged volcano in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted for the fourth time in four months. The resulting lava flow narrowly missed Grindavík but could still reach the sea and potentially unleash a toxic gas plume.
'Worrisome and even frightening': Ancient ecosystem of Lake Baikal at risk of regime change from warming
By Jeffrey McKinnon published
In this extract from Our Ancient Lakes: A Natural History, Jeffrey McKinnon examines the changes taking place in Lake Baikal as temperatures rise in this vast and otherworldly ecosystem.
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